As the 2024 election cycle heats up, two critical concerns are sparking apprehension among international students, particularly the 270,000-strong Indian contingent in the United States. First, there is a looming threat to the two-year extension of practical training for STEM students, a lifeline that has allowed these students to gain valuable work experience post-graduation.
Second, the possibility of a shortened student visa tenure could place additional administrative and financial burdens on international students who are already facing hurdles in their pursuit of academic and career success in the US.
These uncertainties come at a time when the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which grants STEM students three years of work authorization post-graduation, has seen support from diverse quarters, including a recent affirmation by the US Supreme Court in October 2023. According to the latest Open Doors Report, 69,000 Indian students were engaged in OPT in the past academic year alone. However, the continuity of the program is again in question as discussions emerge around further restrictions and reforms.
The Threat to OPT: What’s at Stake?
Under the current OPT program, international students can stay and work in the US for a year after graduation, while STEM students are eligible for a two-year extension, totaling three years. This pathway has been crucial for students and recent graduates to acquire hands-on experience in their fields, often serving as a stepping stone to longer-term work opportunities.
The debate over OPT extensions reignited during Trump’s initial campaign in 2016, culminating in a 2020 proposal to cut back the program. Though the proposal did not pass, it set a precedent for subsequent discussions.
Trump supporters argue that the OPT program could displace American workers and drive down wages by adding competition. On the other hand, advocates like immigration attorney Ashwin Sharma warn that dismantling the OPT program could “disrupt individual careers and erode the innovation pipeline fueling American technological leadership.”
Visa Tenure Changes: Adding to Uncertainty and Expense
In addition to concerns over OPT, Trump’s campaign has hinted at revisiting the 2020 proposal to limit student visas to fixed terms of two or four years. Currently, international students may remain in the US as long as they continue their studies, under a flexible “admission for duration of status” policy. A fixed tenure could mean students face expiration mid-way through their courses, especially in fields that often require more time, such as PhDs.
For students like those pursuing longer programs, a four-year cap may not suffice, leading to further costs and administrative burdens as they apply for extensions. In 2020, Rajiv S. Khanna, an immigration attorney based in Arlington, voiced concern, stating, “A four-year cap is definitely shorter than a PhD or even a bachelor’s degree course.” He emphasized that reapplying would not only add financial strain but also foster additional uncertainty for international students.
Green Cards for Graduates: A Conditional Promise?
In a surprising June podcast interview, Trump raised the idea that US college graduates should be able to obtain green cards, allowing them to remain in the country after completing their education. However, his campaign quickly clarified that this proposal would apply only to graduates who are “thoroughly vetted” and do not threaten American wages or job opportunities. The statement, therefore, has led many to question whether it is a genuine offer or merely a political talking point designed to appeal to multiple voter groups.
Cyrus Mehta, an immigration attorney with extensive experience in US immigration law, cautions that even if OPT remains intact, a Trump administration could introduce procedural hurdles that make it increasingly difficult to secure work authorizations, essentially chipping away at the program’s benefits without directly dismantling it.
Why OPT Matters to the US and Global Innovation
International students, particularly in STEM fields, play a significant role in the US innovation landscape. The extended OPT period not only provides students with invaluable experience but also supports the US economy by filling essential skills gaps in technology and science fields. Without this pathway, a shortage of trained professionals could emerge, potentially weakening the US’s global standing in technological and scientific advancement.
A 2020 analysis found that STEM OPT participants contribute to several high-demand sectors. Limiting their entry could also discourage the brightest minds from choosing the US as their destination, shifting their talents to countries with more supportive policies.
What Lies Ahead?
For now, the future remains uncertain for thousands of international students in the US. The OPT program remains the only viable post-graduation work opportunity, and changes to this program would have ripple effects on both student lives and the broader innovation ecosystem. While policy alterations might still face legal challenges, as seen with previous attempts, the prospect of changes alone introduces significant anxiety among international students.
Also Read:Trump 2.0 and India-US Ties: What a New Trump Era Means for Bilateral Relations