In the global contest for technological leadership, a little-known immigration program will remain one of America’s greatest advantages—but only if its opponents don’t kill it first.

The Optional Practical Training program provides visa extensions for up to 12 months for eligible international students—and for up to three years for graduates of science, technology, engineering and math programs. Since 2004, more than a million STEM students have used OPT to gain work experience in the U.S. Afterward, many secure jobs here. Our research shows that more than 80% of international students receiving Ph.D.s in artificial intelligence remain in the U.S. for at least five years.

And that’s good, because America’s tech sector relies on foreign-born talent.

Read the full article in The Wall Street Journal.