The Battle Over OPT: Will International Students Lose Their Work Rights?
On March 25, 2025, Representative Paul A. Gosar of Arizona introduced H.R. 2315, titled the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025. The goal of the bill is clear: to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—a program that has long been a cornerstone for international students seeking real-world experience in the U.S. after graduation.
📚 What is OPT?
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, authorized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows international students in the U.S. on F-1 visas to work temporarily in a field related to their major. It’s split into two key phases:
- Pre-completion OPT – during their studies.
- Post-completion OPT – after graduation (up to 12 months for most students, or up to 36 months for those in STEM fields through a 24-month STEM OPT extension).
For decades, OPT has helped bridge the gap between academic training and employment. It allows international graduates to contribute their skills to the U.S. economy, while also gaining valuable experience for their future careers—whether in the U.S. or back in their home countries.
🏛️ What H.R. 2315 Proposes
The new bill introduced in Congress seeks to repeal the legal basis for OPT. Specifically, it aims to amend Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, striking the clause that allows students to “engage in optional practical training.”
Supporters of the bill argue that the program has:
- Created unfair competition in the U.S. job market, especially for recent American graduates.
- Incentivized abuse, with some claiming that the program is used to bypass traditional work visa caps like H-1B.
- Decreased wages for American workers, as employers may prefer hiring OPT students who do not require long-term immigration sponsorship.
🌍 The Potential Impact
If the bill passes, the effects could be far-reaching:
👩🎓 International Students
- OPT is often a deciding factor when students choose to study in the U.S. Without it, many may choose countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia, which offer post-study work pathways.
- Students already enrolled may feel uncertain or anxious about their future careers, internships, and return on investment for U.S. education.
🏫 U.S. Colleges and Universities
- International students bring in billions of dollars annually in tuition and related expenses.
- Without OPT, institutions may face a decline in international enrollment, especially in STEM and business programs.
- Universities may also lose prestige if the U.S. is seen as a less welcoming destination for global talent.
💼 The Workforce and Economy
- U.S. companies, especially in tech and research, often rely on OPT graduates to fill skill gaps.
- Ending the program could lead to shortages in key industries, particularly those requiring advanced STEM training.
- There could be a broader economic impact, as OPT participants contribute through taxes, consumption, and innovation.
🧭 What Happens Next?
As of now, H.R. 2315 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. For it to become law, it would need to pass the committee, the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President.
While it is still early in the legislative process, the introduction of the bill has sparked concern among international students, higher education leaders, and employers alike. Many advocacy groups are expected to oppose the bill and campaign to protect the OPT program.
Final Thoughts
For international students, OPT is more than just a work program—it’s a stepping stone, a motivator, and often a life-changing opportunity. H.R. 2315 has ignited a renewed conversation about the balance between protecting American jobs and staying globally competitive. Whatever the outcome, the future of international education in the U.S. may be about to shift.
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Source: Rayliza Ghana
