US Considers Ending Work Permits for International Students, Calling It a ‘Backdoor’ Entry

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a critical pathway for international students, including many from India, to gain professional experience in the United States, is under increasing scrutiny. Designed to facilitate temporary skill development, the programme is now at the center of a heated debate over its impact on the American job market and immigration policies.

The OPT programme allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months post-graduation, with an extension of up to three years for those in STEM fields. Critics argue that it is being misused as a “backdoor” to long-term immigration, bypassing established visa programmes. Detractors claim it unfairly competes with American graduates for job opportunities while operating without direct Congressional approval.

Organizations like US Tech Workers have been vocal in their opposition. In a recent post on X, the group stated, “The OPT programme is a guest worker scheme disguised as an internship for foreign students. Universities are selling work permits instead of education. Created illegally like DACA, Trump should end OPT to protect American college grads from unfair competition.”

The Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) escalated their concerns to the courts in 2023, alleging that OPT undermines American workers. However, a federal court upheld a prior ruling validating the programme, reinforcing its legal standing despite ongoing opposition.

Supporters argue that the OPT programme is integral to maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in attracting international talent. They emphasize its economic and cultural contributions, noting that international students not only fill critical skill gaps but also inject billions into the U.S. economy. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have historically extended the programme, citing these benefits.

Indian students, the largest beneficiaries of the OPT programme, rely on it for valuable U.S. work experience and as a stepping stone to H-1B visas. The potential elimination of the programme would disrupt their career aspirations and could diminish the appeal of U.S. universities for prospective international students.

Experts warn that ending OPT could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. higher education sector. International students contribute significantly to universities through tuition fees and to the broader economy via living expenses. Curtailing OPT could deter foreign enrollment, leading to financial and academic losses for institutions.

The future of the OPT programme remains uncertain. Policymakers remain divided, with some advocating for its termination and others defending its necessity. As debates continue, the programme’s role in balancing U.S. economic interests and immigration policies will remain a focal point of contention.

The OPT programme’s fate could reshape the landscape for international students and the U.S. job market. While critics decry it as a loophole in immigration laws, proponents see it as a cornerstone for fostering innovation and global collaboration. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the U.S.’s position as a global education hub.