A proposed bill in the US Congress has sparked panic among international students — especially Indians — by aiming to dismantle the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
This work authorization initiative allows students, particularly in STEM fields, to work in the US for up to three years after graduation.
If passed, the bill could force thousands of students to leave immediately upon completing their degrees, The Economic Times reported.
Indian Students Most Affected
According to the Open Doors 2024 report, Indian students are the largest beneficiaries of the OPT program, with over 97,500 participants in 2023–24—a 41% increase from the previous year. The bill threatens to derail their career plans and loan repayment strategies.
Career Setbacks and H-1B Rush
Without OPT, students would lose a critical pathway to gain US work experience and transition to an H-1B visa. The race to secure job offers for sponsorship has intensified amid limited H-1B quotas.
Legal Experts Sound Alarm
Immigration attorney Poorvi Chothani warned that eliminating OPT would cut off vital employment options for international graduates. Without OPT, only those immediately securing H-1B sponsorship could remain in the US.
Travel Restrictions Add to Woes
Many students have canceled summer travel fearing re-entry issues. Elite universities like Columbia, Yale, and Cornell have reportedly advised students to avoid leaving the US until the uncertainty is resolved.
Political Backdrop
The bill reflects a broader anti-immigrant stance under the Trump-led campaign, which includes calls for mass deportations and tighter visa restrictions. US universities worry the bill could deter international enrollment and harm the US economy.
The fate of OPT remains uncertain, but the proposed changes have already created deep anxiety among international students and academic institutions alike.