Last week, FWD.us released new data showing that retaining international student talent could help the U.S. win the global talent race and fill millions of critical workforce openings. Immigration reform that provides international students with a direct avenue to permanent residency after graduation could add $233 billion to the U.S. economy, including $65 billion in combined federal, state, and local taxes, and reduce STEM workforce shortages by as much as a quarter over the next decade.

FWD.us estimates that there are 100,000 international student graduates each year who have been trained in U.S colleges and universities and would like to stay and work in the United States. However, without any available avenues for continued residency in the U.S, far too many graduates are forced to leave the country after graduation, taking their American higher education, diverse skills, and immense potential with them as we enter a post-pandemic economy.

Congress should immediately introduce legislation to address this issue.

Download the International Student Report Here

  immigrants, immigration, international students