A newly proposed bill in the U.S. Congress has raised concerns within the international student community, particularly impacting the 300,000 Indian students currently enrolled in U.S. universities.
This legislation seeks to abolish the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a crucial work authorization initiative that allows international students, especially those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), to work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation to gain essential professional experience.
If enacted, this bill could significantly affect the career prospects and financial stability of many Indian students.
What Is OPT and Its Importance?
The OPT program provides temporary work authorization to international students who hold F-1 visas, enabling them to acquire practical experience in their respective fields. Graduates from STEM disciplines can benefit from a two-year extension after the initial one-year period.
This program is vital for students transitioning to long-term employment visas, such as the H-1B. Many Indian students depend on OPT as a pathway to secure well-paying jobs, repay substantial student loans, and enhance their professional resumes.
According to the Open Doors 2024 report, India is the leading country of origin for international students in the U.S., with 331,602 Indian students enrolled during the 2023–2024 academic year—a 23% increase from the previous year.
Over 97,000 of these students have participated in the OPT program, indicating a significant reliance on its provisions.
Concerns About the Proposed Bill
This proposed legislation aims to terminate the OPT program entirely, which would require international students to leave the U.S. immediately upon graduating unless they obtain an H-1B visa. Given the competitive nature of H-1B visas, which are allotted through a lottery system with annual caps, many students are anxious about their chances of transitioning to long-term employment in the U.S.
Immigration experts caution that such a sudden change could lead to mass deportations and considerable financial hardship for affected students. Without the OPT program, graduates would miss out on years of potential earnings from U.S. jobs necessary for repaying educational loans that often exceed $60,000 annually. Additionally, non-STEM graduates, who currently have a one-year limit, would face a complete lack of options for extensions.
Impact on Indian Students
Indian students are particularly at risk due to their significant representation among OPT beneficiaries. The elimination of this program would disrupt their career trajectories and push many to consider opportunities in countries like Canada or Europe, where post-study work policies are more favourable.
The financial repercussions are concerning as well. Without access to lucrative job opportunities in the U.S., many students may find it difficult to repay their loans or recuperate their investments in high-cost American education.
This situation could discourage prospective Indian students from pursuing higher education in the U.S., potentially affecting enrollment figures at American universities.
Broader Implications
The proposed bill is part of a wider trend of anti-immigration measures that gained momentum during Donald Trump’s second term as president. Stricter visa controls and mass deportations have been central to Trump’s campaign agenda, aimed at prioritizing American workers through initiatives like “Buy American, Hire American.”
Universities are concerned that such policies could lead to a decrease in international student enrollment, a vital source of revenue for many institutions, and negatively impact campus diversity. Furthermore, industries that rely on STEM talent may face skill shortages if international graduates are compelled to leave the country.
Actions Taken by Students
In light of these uncertainties, many F-1 and M-1 visa holders are urgently seeking employment with companies willing to sponsor H-1B visas. However, obtaining an H-1B visa is highly competitive, with limited availability each year.
Some universities have cautionarily advised international students against travelling home during summer breaks due to concerns about re-entry into the U.S., adding another layer of uncertainty to their plans.