US To End Work Permits For International Students

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a vital bridge for international students in the United States, has come under increasing scrutiny.

Designed to offer temporary work opportunities to students on F-1 visas, OPT allows them to gain hands-on experience after graduation, particularly in STEM fields where they can work for up to three years. However, as debates around immigration and employment intensify, the programme faces criticism and calls for reform.

The OPT programme provides international students with a pathway to gain practical experience in their fields of study. For many, it serves as a stepping stone to professional opportunities and, in some cases, to securing an H-1B visa.

However, critics argue that OPT is being misused as a “backdoor” entry into the US job market, allowing foreign students to bypass traditional immigration channels.

Groups like the US Tech Workers and the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) have been vocal in their opposition. WashTech even took legal action against the programme, claiming it harms American workers by creating unfair competition for jobs. Although a lower court upheld the programme in 2023, the criticism persists.

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The US Tech Workers group has described OPT as “a guest worker scheme disguised as an internship for foreign students,” accusing universities of “selling work permits instead of education.” They argue that the programme lacks Congressional approval and undermines the job prospects of American graduates.

Supporters of the OPT programme highlight its significant contributions to the US economy and higher education system.

International students bring billions of dollars into the US economy each year, not only through tuition fees but also through their participation in the workforce. This revenue supports universities, fuels innovation, and enhances the country’s global competitiveness.

Policymakers defending the programme argue that it helps attract top international talent, particularly in STEM fields, where there is often a shortage of skilled workers. Eliminating OPT, they warn, could make the US less appealing to international students, potentially affecting the financial and academic resources of universities.

Historically, both Republican and Democratic administrations have supported and expanded the OPT programme, citing its cultural and economic benefits.