MAGA Targets Optional Practical Training Program for Foreign Students

Key Takeaways

MAGA advocates target OPT program, claiming it replaces American graduates and extends work permits without Congress approval.

OPT’s future could reshape U.S. education, affecting international student attraction and economic contributions amid policy changes.

New rule in 2025 extends cap-gap authorization, supporting H-1B applicants, as debates about OPT’s scope and impact continue.

MAGA Targets OPT, Impact on Immigration Policy Looms

MAGA hardliners are intensifying their campaign against the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, crucial for foreign students seeking work experience in the U.S. after graduation. As the focus shifts toward reshaping immigration policies, the scrutiny on OPT aligns with debates on broader workforce dynamics.

MAGA Targets Optional Practical Training Program for Foreign Students

Why it matters:
OPT is a key component for international students, with 344,686 participants authorized to work under the program last year. STEM graduates can work for up to 36 months via OPT, influencing U.S. attractiveness to global talent.

The big picture:
– The program has become a target due to perceptions of displacing American graduates and serving as a backdoor to H-1B visas.
– MAGA advocates argue it lacks explicit Congressional approval, fueling efforts to curb its influence.

By the numbers:
– 160,627 students were employed under OPT in 2023, a 36.9% increase from 2022.
– Indian students make up 39.1% and Chinese students 23.7% of STEM OPT participants.

State of play:
Recent rule changes extend the OPT cap-gap work authorization by six months starting January 2025, aiming to minimize disruptions for H-1B applicants.

What they’re saying:
Critics claim the program deviates from its intended temporary work nature, while supporters underline its importance for U.S. educational competitiveness.

Yes, but:
The elimination of OPT could weaken U.S. universities’ global appeal and lead to a talent drain towards other countries, particularly in STEM fields.

Economic and educational impact:
– International students significantly contribute to university revenues.
– Universities risk losing talented graduates crucial for innovation and research.

The bottom line:
As the debate intensifies, OPT’s fate could reshape U.S. international education and immigration landscapes, impacting economic growth and technological advancement.

Taking a Closer Look

MAGA advocates are ramping up efforts to target the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to work in the United States after graduation. This is part of a broader push to change immigration policies that they believe impact the American workforce. In 2023, the program had 344,686 participants authorized to work from 1.49 million F-1 and M-1 students, highlighting its extensive reach. For STEM graduates, OPT permits up to 36 months of work experience, while other fields allow for 12 months. According to VisaVerge.com, the popularity of the program surged, with a 36.9% increase in participants from the previous year, especially among students from India and China.

The Debate Over OPT

MAGA supporters argue that the OPT program now exceeds its original aim, acting as a long-term work permit without specific approval from Congress. Critics claim it replaces American college graduates in entry-level jobs and serves as a backdoor to the H-1B visa, a popular work program for skilled immigrants.

Originally launched in 1947, OPT allowed foreign students to work in their field of study for a limited time. Over the years, it evolved significantly. The Bush Administration extended STEM OPT to 29 months in 2008, and the Obama Administration stretched it to 36 months in 2016. This historical expansion has fueled ongoing debates about its current scope and impact.

Recent Developments

In recent times, immigration programs linked to OPT experienced notable policy changes. A new USCIS rule effective January 2025 will extend the OPT cap-gap work authorization by six months, from October 1 to April 1 of the fiscal year. This aims to ensure that those awaiting H-1B visa decisions can continue working without interruption.

The Bigger Picture: Economic and Educational Stakes

If OPT is eliminated, it could drastically reshape higher education and the job market in the U.S. Many argue that removing OPT will make American universities less appealing to international students, causing financial strain on higher education institutions. Additionally, the U.S. could lose valuable STEM graduates to other countries if these students pursue opportunities elsewhere.

International student data shows strong engagement in U.S. education. From 2022 to 2023, all U.S. regions saw an increase in international student numbers, with California leading at 237,594 students, totaling 15.8% of the overall count. India saw a significant leap of 27.1% in student numbers compared to the previous year, while China experienced a 1.9% increase, reversing prior declines.

Ensuring Program Integrity

The OPT program has various rules to maintain its integrity. Students must have approval from their educational institution, and applications have to go through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Moreover, work must directly relate to the student’s study field, and both students and employers have regular reporting requirements to fulfill.

Broader Implications and Policy Landscape

The future of OPT holds widespread significance for U.S. competitiveness in attracting global talent. It plays a crucial role in the pipeline of skilled workers, especially in the STEM fields, further affecting international student enrollment in American universities. As debates around immigration escalate, the context becomes even more critical as H-1B modernization steps, planned for January 2025, come into play amidst shifting workforce needs and policy priorities.

Eliminating OPT could carry significant economic consequences. For universities, it might translate into reduced revenues from international tuition fees. The loss of a skilled workforce could also challenge U.S. companies looking for STEM talent and affect innovation and research efforts within the country.

Final Thoughts

OPT currently finds itself at a pivotal point as discussions over its potential elimination continue. Proponents stress its importance in maintaining the U.S.’s educational standing and economic growth. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of these discussions may drastically change the scene of international education and skilled immigration in the U.S. The decisions made will likely impact various sectors and stakeholders, shaping the future landscape of global talent and workforce dynamics.

For more information on the OPT program and its requirements, please visit the official USCIS OPT page.

In conclusion, the debate over the future of OPT is about more than just work permits. It touches upon the United States’ ability to attract and keep international students, adding a complex layer to ongoing discussions about immigration policies. How these issues are resolved could have lasting impacts on universities, industries, and the broader economy. The attention on OPT reflects deeper questions about the kind of workforce and society the U.S. wants to foster in the years to come.

Learn Today

MAGA advocates: Supporters of the “Make America Great Again” movement, often focusing on strict immigration policies and national workforce priorities.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): A program allowing international students to work in their field of study post-graduation in the U.S.
STEM: Acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, fields often eligible for extended work opportunities under OPT.
H-1B visa: A non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring technical expertise.
USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration and related programs.

This Article in a Nutshell

MAGA advocates aim to curtail OPT, arguing it sidesteps congressional approval and impacts U.S. graduates. Yet, OPT’s extension has bolstered STEM talent retention, crucial for innovation. Eliminating it risks deterring international students and straining universities financially, highlighting the balance between protecting domestic jobs and fostering global talent.
— By VisaVerge.com