Trump's OPT Rule Threatens International Students' Work Permits

A bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Sam Liccardo and Jay Obernolte aims to protect international students in the US from a proposed rule change that would limit their work opportunities after graduation. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, established in 1992, allows hundreds of thousands of foreign students to work in their field of study for 12 months, with extensions of up to 24 months for STEM students. The OPT program serves as a crucial link between student visas and H-1B visas, providing international students with valuable work experience in the US. However, President Trump’s administration has proposed a rule change that would severely restrict this program, making it difficult for students to find employment opportunities after graduation. Reps. Liccardo and Obernolte’s bipartisan bill seeks to codify OPT, ensuring that international students can continue to work in their field of study without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The bill is aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of hundreds of thousands of foreign students who rely on OPT for their career development. The proposed rule change has sparked widespread concern among educators, employers, and student organizations, who argue that it would limit the ability of international students to contribute to the US workforce. With the bipartisan bill as a countermeasure, stakeholders are hopeful that the rights of international students will be protected, and the OPT program can continue to thrive.