About the Optional Practical Training Programme

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme is aspect of the United States’ immigration and education system. It allows international students to gain work experience in their field of study. This programme has become a focal point of debate, especially among supporters of the ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) movement. They argue that OPT, particularly the STEM extension, competes with American workers for jobs.

What is the OPT Programme?

The OPT programme permits international students on an F-1 visa to work for up to 12 months in roles related to their major. Students must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year to qualify. There are two types of OPT – pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work part-time during studies and full-time during breaks. Post-completion OPT mandates at least 20 hours of work per week. Students in STEM fields can extend their post-completion OPT by an additional 24 months, enabling them to work in the US for up to three years.

Participation Statistics

According to the 2023-24 Open Doors data, approximately 27.47% of the 883,000 international students in the US were engaged in the OPT programme. Among Indian students, who represent the largest international group, 29.42% participated in OPT, a notable increase from previous years. In 2023-24, 97,556 Indian students were enrolled in OPT, up from 69,062 in 2022-23. The majority of Indian students opt for STEM courses, with 24.5% in engineering and 42.9% in mathematics or computer science.

Opposition to the OPT Programme

MAGA supporters have raised concerns regarding the OPT programme, particularly the STEM extension. They argue that it displaces American workers by allowing foreign students to occupy jobs. In 2023, a petition by WashTech challenged the legality of the STEM OPT extension in the US Supreme Court. However, the court declined to review the case, upholding the programme’s validity. The previous administration had expanded the STEM OPT extension, increasing its duration from 29 months to 36 months.

Implications for International Students

The OPT programme plays important role in attracting international talent to the US. It provides students with valuable work experience, enhancing their employability. The ability to work in the US post-graduation is incentive for many international students. However, ongoing debates and potential policy changes could impact future participation in OPT.

Future of the OPT Programme

The future of the OPT programme remains uncertain amid political discussions. Changes in administration policies could lead to modifications in the programme’s structure or eligibility criteria. International students and educational institutions are closely monitoring these developments, as they could affect the landscape of higher education and employment in the US.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the Optional Practical Training programme on the employment landscape in the United States.
2. What are the benefits and challenges of the Optional Practical Training programme for international students? Explain.
3. What is the role of STEM education in the US economy? How does it relate to immigration policies?
4. Comment on the implications of the MAGA movement’s opposition to the OPT programme for US immigration policy.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the Optional Practical Training programme on the employment landscape in the United States.

1. OPT provides international students with practical work experience, enhancing their job readiness.
2. It allows US companies to tap into a diverse talent pool, filling skill gaps in various industries.
3. Critics argue that OPT, especially the STEM extension, competes with American workers for jobs.
4. Statistics show percentage of international students opt for roles that may otherwise go unfilled.
5. The programme’s future is uncertain due to ongoing political debates, which could reshape the employment landscape.

2. What are the benefits and challenges of the Optional Practical Training programme for international students? Explain.

1. Benefits include gaining relevant work experience and improving employability after graduation.
2. Students can network within their industry, leading to potential job offers post-OPT.
3. Challenges include uncertainty regarding visa status and potential changes to OPT regulations.
4. Some students may face difficulties in securing jobs due to competition with local candidates.
5. About the application process and maintaining compliance with visa requirements can be complex.

3. What is the role of STEM education in the US economy? How does it relate to immigration policies?

1. STEM education drives innovation and technological advancement, crucial for economic growth.
2. It fills high-demand job sectors, helping to maintain the US’s competitive edge globally.
3. Immigration policies like OPT facilitate the retention of skilled STEM graduates in the workforce.
4. STEM fields often experience labor shortages, making international talent vital for industry sustainability.
5. Debates around immigration policies can impact STEM education funding and student enrollment trends.

4. Comment on the implications of the MAGA movement’s opposition to the OPT programme for US immigration policy.

1. MAGA supporters argue that OPT displaces American workers, pushing for stricter immigration controls.
2. The movement’s influence could lead to policy changes affecting international student programs.
3. Legal challenges, like the WashTech petition, highlight the ongoing tensions between immigration and labor interests.
4. Opposition may result in reduced OPT durations or stricter eligibility criteria for international students.
5. The outcome of these debates could alter the attractiveness of the US as a destination for international talent.