119 HR 8013 IH: Keep Innovators in America Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-19 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8013IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 19, 2026Mr. Liccardo (for himself, Mr. Obernolte, and Mr. Krishnamoorthi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program.

1.

Short title

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

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).