3 Lakh Indian Students Face Uncertainty As US Bill Plans End Of International Student Community

A bill recently introduced in the US Congress poses a serious threat to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program — a key work authorization scheme for international students. According to The Economic Times, this proposal has sparked widespread concern among the Indian student community in the US, potentially impacting over 300,000 students. The OPT program enables international graduates, especially those in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, to gain hands-on work experience in the US for up to three years after completing their studies.

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New US Bill Sparks Concern Among International Student Community

Impact on Indian Students: Indian students, the top users of OPT with 97,556 participants in 2023-24, could be hit hard by the bill. It may force them to leave the US right after graduation, affecting their careers and ability to repay student loans.

Career Consequences: If the bill passes, Indian students may lose job opportunities in the US and look to countries like Canada or Europe with better post-study work options. It could also hurt the US job market, especially in STEM fields that rely on international talent.

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Rush for H-1B Visas: With the OPT program under threat, F-1 and M-1 visa holders are urgently job-hunting to secure H-1B sponsorships, mainly from big tech firms. But with limited visas and tough competition, time is running out.

Expert Insights: Immigration expert Poorvi Chothani warns that STEM grads may lose the chance to stay and work post-graduation if the bill passes, forcing many to leave the US immediately.

Travel Worries: Many Indian students have cancelled summer travel plans, fearing re-entry issues. Top universities like Cornell and Yale are advising students to stay put.

Broader Implications: The bill reflects a wider anti-immigration push, fueling concerns of mass deportations and tighter visa rules. US universities fear it could lead to a drop in international student enrollment and hurt the economy.

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