Washington, D.C.: A group of U.S. lawmakers has reintroduced the "Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act," aiming to terminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program that permits international students to work in the United States after completing their studies. This move could significantly impact foreign graduates, particularly those from India, who rely on OPT for employment opportunities and pathways to H-1B visas.
Key Facts
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Bill Introduction: Representatives Paul Gosar, Mo Brooks, Andy Biggs, and Matt Gaetz introduced the "Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act" on March 25, 2025, targeting the OPT program.
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OPT Program Details: OPT allows foreign students to work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation, with approximately 80,000 Indian students currently participating.
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Legislative Process: The bill must pass both the House and Senate before becoming law, facing challenges in a Democrat-controlled Congress.
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program enables international students to gain practical work experience in the U.S. after graduation, particularly benefiting those in STEM fields with extensions up to three years. Critics, including Representative Gosar, argue that the program undercuts American workers by providing tax incentives for employers to hire foreign labor.
Supporters of the bill contend that the OPT program allows employers to bypass American graduates in favor of cheaper foreign labor.
Kevin Lynn, founder of U.S. Techworkers, stated, "Landing that first job out of college will only become more difficult for young Americans as our universities formalize the role they play in crowding out opportunities once reserved for American graduates."
Conversely, opponents of the bill highlight the potential negative impact on U.S. universities and the economy. International students contribute significantly to academic diversity and financial resources. The Times of India reported that eliminating OPT could deter foreign students from enrolling in U.S. institutions, thereby affecting the financial and academic benefits they bring.
It’s important to understand that this is just a bill being introduced. Like many other proposed regulations, it still needs to pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can become law.
So, there’s no need to panic at this stage. However, it does offer a clear signal of the direction things may be headed. It's a good indicator of which way the wind is blowing when it comes to future regulations.
Do You Know? The OPT program was first introduced in 1947. It allows foreign students to gain practical work experience in the U.S. after completing their studies.
Key Terms
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Optional Practical Training (OPT): A U.S. program that permits international students to work temporarily in their field of study after graduation.
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H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
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STEM Fields: An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, referring to academic disciplines.
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Congressional Approval: The process by which proposed legislation must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate to become law.
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Payroll Taxes: Taxes imposed on employers and employees, typically covering Social Security and Medicare contributions.