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- The U.S. aims to retain top STEM talent to maintain a competitive workforce and drive economic growth.
- A letter to SEVP proposes adding eight new fields to the STEM degree list, enhancing AI workforce development.
- STEM graduates may stay in the U.S. for up to 36 months post-graduation, compared to 12 months for other fields.
Strengthening the U.S. STEM Workforce
The United States is taking strategic steps to retain exceptional talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) sectors to bolster its workforce and remain globally competitive.
The American Immigration Council, supported by five other organizations, has urged the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to expand the STEM degree fields list. This expansion includes eight new fields crucial to the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, aligning with the Biden administration’s goals for AI development. The current DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, expanded under the Biden administration, includes 31 fields. International students with degrees from these fields can stay for up to three years for post-graduate training in the U.S., providing a significant incentive for them to gain valuable experience and potentially transition to other employment-based visa categories. The proposed fields, such as Economics, General (45.0601), Development Economics and International Development (45.0604), and International Economics (45.0605), are aimed at equipping students with essential skills for innovation and technology development.
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- Eight academic fields identified as key to AI workforce growth.
- AI technical workforce has grown by 24% since 2018.
- Fields recognized as STEM by National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics.
- Departments of Labor and Education highlight importance for STEM jobs.
Expanding the AI Workforce with Key Academic Fields
A coalition of organizations has pinpointed eight academic fields essential for the expansion of the AI technical workforce.
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University has observed that graduates from these fields are excelling in AI roles, contributing to a 24% growth in the AI workforce since 2018. The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) further classifies these fields as STEM, aiding government monitoring of the STEM workforce and education. Additionally, the Departments of Labor and Education use tools like the O*NET database and the CIP-SOC Crosswalk to ensure these fields align with the necessary knowledge for STEM careers. This strategic identification underscores the importance of these academic disciplines in maintaining U.S. competitiveness in technology and innovation.
Read the full article on CSET’s analysis of the AI workforce growth.
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- Immigrants constitute 23.1% of the STEM workforce in the U.S.
- The Biden administration aims to attract foreign STEM talent.
- New fields added to the STEM Designated Degree Program list.
Strengthening America’s STEM Workforce
The United States is reinforcing its innovation front by recognizing the significant contribution of immigrants in STEM fields.
Immigrants play a pivotal role in the nation’s science and engineering enterprise, with their representation in the STEM workforce surpassing their overall labor force presence. The Biden administration’s executive order on artificial intelligence reflects a strategic move to support and attract global STEM talent, enhancing the country’s capacity for technological advancements. The inclusion of new fields in the STEM Designated Degree Program list aligns with this vision, allowing international students educated in the U.S. to meet the technical workforce needs in AI. This initiative not only encourages talented individuals to pursue their education in the United States but also ensures a diverse mix of graduates to uphold America’s leadership in technology and innovation.
