Stopping Trained in America PhDs From Leaving the Economy Act

Jeff Flake, the U.S. Representative for Arizona's 6th congressional district, introduced in 2009 the Stopping Trained in America PhDs From Leaving the Economy (STAPLE) Act (H.R. 1791). If passed, this act will grant Green Cards to students who have received PhDs from American universities allowing them to stay in the United States and contribute to the strength of the American economy. The bill (H.R. 399) was reintroduced in 2011 and is referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. This idea was mentioned or alluded to favorably during the 2012 Republican primary and by President Obama in the 2012 State of the Union address. The bill has support from both sides of the aisle.