DPE Applauds Re-introduction of the Keep STEM Talent Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2025 - This week, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), along with original co-sponsor Angus King (I-ME), introduced the Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 in the Senate. Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL) and Mike Lawler (R-NY), along with original co-sponsors Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The bill exempts from the annual green card cap international graduates of U.S. colleges and universities who earn STEM advanced degrees and receive an employment offer for a job that pays above the median wage for the occupation and area from an employer that completes a labor market test.
Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the introduction of the bipartisan Keep STEM Talent Act:
“I applaud Senators Durbin, Rounds, and King as well as Representatives Foster, Lawler, Houlahan, and Delegate Norton for introducing the Keep STEM Talent Act in the 119th Congress. This bipartisan legislation offers a high-road option for talented graduates from U.S. colleges and universities, including members of DPE unions, to continue contributing to the American economy while earning a fair return on their work. The whole workforce, including U.S. professionals, would benefit from workers with in-demand skills having a streamlined path to employment-based green cards, rather than being forced to accept precarious, temporary work visas, which only enables employers to lower standards in their industries. Further, the legislation includes safeguards that will help protect against downward pressure on wages in STEM professions.
DPE is proud to support the Keep STEM Talent Act’s high-road approach to attracting and retaining international talent. I urge Congress to pass this sensible legislation.”
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (PE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.