‘Keep Innovators in America Act’: New U.S. Bill Aims to Secure OPT for Foreign Talent

U.S. Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Keep Innovators in America Act on March 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C.. 

The ‘Keep Innovators in America Act’, codifies Optional Practical Training (OPT) into law, protecting 290,000+ international students, including many Indians in STEM fields, from Trump-era cuts. 

As global talent wars escalate, the bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act for permanent work authorization after graduation, countering November 2025 indications of scrapping OPT. 

‘Keep Innovators in America Act’ has the support of universities and tech companies, which ensures American companies retain innovators against global competitors like China.

‘Keep Innovators in America Act’: New U.S. Bill Aims to Secure OPT for Foreign Talent

The ‘Keep Innovators in America Act’ bill was introduced by lawmakers, prompted by fears that OPT, which allows 12-36 months of work in study-related fields, could be terminated, leading to a drain of talent to other countries. 

Liccardo warned that opponents benefit from a drain of the U.S.-trained graduates, noting 290,000 OPT participants in 2024-25, injecting $42.9B into the economy, according to education groups. Tech CEO Oxman called the bill certainty for startups.

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Keep Innovators in America Act Economic and Security Stakes

International students fill gaps in STEM; India leads the way, thousands of students a year. Bill prevents policy whiplash after 30+ years of bipartisan support by establishing rules. 

Industry stresses National security at stake, as U.S. labs rely on foreign PhDs for research. Without OPT, companies fall behind Canada and Australia in luring international students.

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Keep Innovators in America Act Bipartisan Push and Next Steps

Liccardo, former mayor of San Jose, Obernolte (technology expert), and Krishnamoorthi mobilize support for House approval during Trump's inauguration. 

Universities are involved, with NAFSA reporting stability. Concerns over competition for the H-1B visa, but OPT has a 1.7% violation rate. The world competition for talent heats up.

Also Know about the SAVE Act here.

The Keep Innovators Act mobilizes support to preserve American talent. The fate of STEM futures—and the economy—hangs in the balance