Washington, DC: A proposed bill in the United States Congress has sent shockwaves through the Indian students' community.
The bill aims to upend the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a vital work authorization initiative for international students. The OPT program allows international students, particularly those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, to gain practical work experience in the US for up to three years after graduation.
It will affect over 300,000 students, The Economic Times reported.
Indian students are the largest beneficiaries of the OPT program according to the Open Doors 2024 report, with 97,556 participants in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 41% increase from the previous year. The proposed bill could force these students to leave the US immediately after graduation, disrupting their career prospects and financial stability. Many students rely on OPT to repay hefty student loans.
The bill's passage could limit job opportunities for Indian students, forcing them to seek employment in countries with more accommodating post-study work policies, such as Canada or European nations. This move may also impact the US job market, particularly in STEM fields, where international students play a crucial role in addressing skill shortages.
Several Indian students have cancelled their summer travel plans, fearing they may not be allowed to re-enter the country, per the report. Prestigious institutions like Cornell, Columbia, and Yale have unofficially advised overseas students to avoid travelling home over the break, adding to the uncertainty.
