The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students, including those from India, to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. However, the program is facing increasing scrutiny amid concerns about foreign worker policies.
Critics claim the OPT is being misused to fill positions that could go to American workers, effectively creating a long-term immigration pathway that bypasses traditional processes. Originally intended for temporary skill development, the OPT permits foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the U.S. for up to three years, especially if they hold a STEM degree.
Detractors argue that the program lacks Congressional oversight and creates unfair competition for U.S. graduates, labeling it as a “backdoor” entry into the American workforce. Advocacy groups, like the U.S. Tech Workers, have voiced strong opposition, describing the OPT as “a guest worker program disguised as an internship for foreign students.”
In a statement on social media, the group criticized universities for allegedly prioritizing profit over education, asserting that the program operates like a “work permit sale.” They further called for the elimination of OPT, suggesting it unfairly disadvantages American graduates in the job market.
Indian students, in particular, rely heavily on the OPT program for career opportunities and as a pathway to securing H-1B visas.
In 2023, the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) challenged the program in court, arguing it puts American workers at a disadvantage. However, a lower court upheld the program, affirming its legality.
The future of the OPT program remains uncertain. While some policymakers push for its termination, citing concerns over job competition, others emphasize its importance in attracting global talent and bolstering the U.S. economy.
Both Republican and Democratic administrations have historically supported and extended the program, acknowledging its cultural and economic contributions.
Eliminating the OPT program could diminish the appeal of U.S. universities to international students, potentially impacting their financial and academic investments in the country.
With international students contributing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually, the potential termination of the program has become a focal point in the broader debate over foreign worker policies.
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