Calls to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which lets foreign graduates work in the U.S. temporarily, are growing louder as tech workers argue it harms American job prospects.
Critics claim the program, often leading to H-1B visas, unfairly puts foreign students ahead of American graduates in the labour market. As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration nears, the issue has become a heated topic in immigration and employment discussions.
Reports from Business Today highlight how the OPT program, a post-graduation pathway allowing international students to work for up to a year, is seen by detractors as giving foreign workers an undue edge. Many of these students, particularly from India, benefit from what opponents call an unfair system.
Tech Workers Push Back
US Tech Workers, an advocacy group, has been especially vocal in its opposition to OPT. The group argues the program is little more than a “guest worker program masquerading as an internship.” In a recent statement, the group declared, “Universities are selling work permits instead of education.”
They further likened the program to DACA, claiming both were created “illegally” and calling for OPT’s elimination to protect opportunities for U.S. citizens.
High-Profile Defenders
Despite the backlash, figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy have defended the OPT program. They argue it plays a vital role in addressing critical shortages of engineers and other skilled professionals in the U.S. economy, particularly in high-tech sectors. Supporters view both OPT and H-1B visas as essential tools for maintaining a competitive workforce.
Lifeline for International Students
For foreign students holding F-1 visas, OPT serves as a crucial bridge to employment in the U.S. The program allows them to work for up to 12 months, with STEM graduates eligible for an additional 24-month extension. For many, this route is often the only way to secure an H-1B visa for longer-term employment in the country.
Data for the current academic year shows a notable increase in OPT participants, with 97,556 Indian students enrolled—a jump from previous years.
Ongoing Legal Battles
The OPT program has faced persistent legal challenges. Groups like the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) argue the initiative disadvantages U.S. workers, particularly in STEM fields.
In 2023, WashTech brought the program to court, alleging it harmed domestic job seekers. However, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, leaving the program intact.
The controversy intensified during the Obama administration when the STEM work period was extended from 29 to 36 months. Critics argue the expansion unfairly benefits foreign students, while supporters contend it is necessary to address workforce shortages in specialized fields.
