300,000 Indian Students Face Uncertainty with Proposed US Bill Ending Work Visa
Proposed Bill Threatens OPT Program for International Students
A proposed bill in the United States Congress is poised to disrupt the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a crucial work authorization initiative for international students. This potential legislative change has sent ripples of concern through the Indian student community in the US, with the futures of over 300,000 students hanging in the balance, as reported by The Economic Times. The OPT program is particularly important for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, offering them the chance to gain practical work experience in the US for up to three years post-graduation.
The Impact on Indian Students
Indian students represent the largest group benefiting from the OPT program. The Open Doors 2024 report indicates that 97,556 Indian students participated in the 2023-2024 academic year alone, marking a 41% increase from the year before. If the proposed bill becomes law, these students may be compelled to return to India immediately after graduation, severely affecting their career opportunities and financial stability. Many depend on the income from OPT employment to pay off substantial student loans.
Career Consequences
The passage of this bill could drastically reduce job prospects for Indian students, pushing them to consider opportunities in countries with more favorable post-study work policies, such as Canada or various European nations. This potential shift could also have significant implications for the US job market, especially in STEM fields, where international students are vital in filling skill gaps.
Rush to Secure H-1B Visas
Current F-1 and M-1 student visa holders are in a race against the clock, seeking jobs that can transition them to an H-1B work visa, predominantly sponsored by major US and Indian tech companies. However, securing an H-1B visa is a highly competitive process due to the limited number of visas available each year. Students are scrambling to secure job offers that would allow them to apply for this visa before any legislative changes occur.
Expert Insights
Poorvi Chothani, founder of the immigration law firm LawQuest, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as quoted in ET’s report: "OPT allows students to find jobs in the US for one year after they graduate and may be extended for another two years provided you are a STEM graduate and are working with a qualified US employer." If the bill passes, students could lose this opportunity and be forced to exit the US immediately.
Travel Concerns
Many Indian students have already canceled their summer travel plans, fearing potential re-entry issues, according to the report. Prestigious institutions such as Cornell, Columbia, and Yale have informally advised international students to refrain from traveling home during breaks, heightening the sense of uncertainty among students.
Broader Implications
This proposed bill is part of a broader trend of anti-immigrant policy actions under the current administration. Mass deportations and tighter visa controls are central to Donald Trump’s campaign promises, causing anxiety among existing F-1 and M-1 visa holders. The bill’s enactment could have extensive repercussions for US universities, which are concerned about a potential decline in international student enrollment and the resulting economic impact.
In summary, the proposed changes to the OPT program could have a profound effect not only on international students but also on the broader American economy and educational landscape. The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders across various sectors closely monitoring developments.