119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8013


To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 19, 2026

Mr. Liccardo (for himself, Mr. Obernolte, and Mr. Krishnamoorthi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Keep Innovators in America Act”.

SEC. 2. In general.

Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i)) is amended by inserting after “course of study” the second time it appears the following: “, except that such a course of study may include practical training and employment authorization under terms and conditions set by the Secretary of Homeland Security as long as such employment is related to the field of study, including after completion of degree requirements, and that such an alien may maintain student status under this section if the alien is the beneficiary of a pending or approved petition filed pursuant to section 204(a)(1) except that as an enrolled student the alien’s course of study must be consistent with section 214(m)”.