A newly introduced bill in the United States Congress has sent shockwaves through the international student community—especially among those pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees. The proposed legislation aims to dismantle the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a lifeline for thousands of international graduates hoping to gain work experience in the U.S. and secure long-term employment visas.
For Indian students—the largest international student group in the U.S.—the bill could be devastating. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, India topped the chart of international student representation in the 2023–2024 academic year, contributing over 331,000 students, a significant 23% increase from the previous year. Of these, nearly 97,556 students participated in OPT, marking a sharp 41% rise. The program not only gives STEM graduates up to three years of work authorization post-graduation but also acts as a bridge to coveted H-1B visas, which are mostly backed by major American and Indian tech companies.
However, this new legislative effort threatens to derail those plans. Immigration expert Poorvi Chothani, founder of LawQuest, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “If the bill goes through, OPT could end abruptly without any clear transition path to another work visa. Students may have to leave the U.S. immediately after graduation.” She added that students currently on OPT should act fast—either secure an H-1B visa through the lottery or consider moving to countries with more welcoming post-study work policies.
This proposed change comes amid a broader wave of anti-immigration sentiment, reportedly driven by the Trump campaign’s promises of tighter visa restrictions and mass deportations. While similar attempts to dismantle OPT have failed in the past, the political climate has international students on edge. Prestigious institutions like Columbia, Yale, and Cornell have unofficially advised students to avoid international travel during the break, fearing re-entry complications.
For many students, the financial implications are just as troubling as the legal ones. Without the opportunity to work in the U.S. after graduation, many could lose out on high-paying jobs that help repay significant education loans. Some students have already cancelled summer travel plans, fearing they may not be allowed back into the country.
The future of OPT—and by extension, the dreams of thousands of international students—now hangs in the balance.
