US programme backs foreign students faces severe flak, scrutiny

New Delhi: The US’s Optical Practical Training (OPT) faces heavy criticism and scrutiny in the country, stating that it is being exploited to fill American jobs, giving competition to US graduates. There are arguments that it is being used as a long-term immigration pathway to the nation by overtaking traditional channels, NDTV reported.

The OPT allows international students, including those from India, to gain work experience in the US after graduation. It was originally designed for temporary skill development and allows foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the country for up to three years if they possess a STEM degree.

According to critics, the programme operates without Congressional approval and competes with US graduates for job opportunities. They call it a “backdoor” entry into the US job market.

The US Tech Workers group expressed their disapproval of the programme. It wrote on X, "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 (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Trump should end OPT to protect American college grads from unfair competition."

Indian students rely on the programme for professional opportunities and H-1B visas.

In 2023, the Washington Alliance of Technology took the programme to court, claiming that it harms American workers, but a lower court’s rule validating the programme was upheld.

However, the programme’s future is uncertain since certain policymakers demand its elimination while others defend it, arguing that it is essential for attracting international talent and boosting the US economy.