Nearly two dozen new fields of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) added to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) program will help attract new workers in those fields, according to a recent news release.
The 22 new fields of study are intended to build on contributions of nonimmigrant students studying in STEM fields, according to the Jan. 21 release. The new fields in the STEM Optional Practical Training program also are intended to support the nation's economic and innovative growth.
"STEM innovation allows us to solve the complex challenges we face today and make a difference in how we secure and protect our country," U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the release. "Through STEM education and training opportunities, DHS is expanding the number and diversity of students who excel in STEM education and contribute to the U.S. economy."
The additional fields of study are intended to ensure that the nation benefits economically from students earning degrees in competitive STEM fields, according to the news release. The agency also is taking additional steps to attract critical STEM talent.
The STEM Optional Practical Training program allows F-1 students who are earning degrees in certain STEM fields to remain in the U.S. for up to 36 months while they work in their field of study. The additional 22 fields of study will be communicated to schools and students through a Federal Register notice.
DHS also is updating and issuing new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy manual guidance to clarify how certain STEM graduates and entrepreneurs may use the national interest waiver for employment-based immigrant visa classification. The classification would apply to advanced degree professional noncitizens, including those "of exceptional ability," according to the release.
The 22 new fields of study are: bioenergy; general forestry; forest resources production and management; human-centered technology design; cloud computing; anthrozoology; climate science; earth systems science; economics and computer science; environmental geosciences; geobiology; geography and environmental studies; mathematical economics; mathematics and atmospheric and oceanic science; general data science; general data analytics; business analytics; data visualization; financial analytics; other data analytics; industrial and organizational psychology; and social sciences, research methodology and quantitative methods.
