In a move that could reshape the post-study work landscape for thousands of international students, including a significant number from India, a prominent US lawmaker has launched a direct attack on a key immigration program. Republican Congressman Paul Gosar from Arizona has formally called for the termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, labeling it an unauthorized and abused system that sidelines American graduates.
The Legislative Assault on OPT: H.R. 2315 Explained
Congressman Paul Gosar, a known advocate for "America First" policies, has co-sponsored legislation known as H.R. 2315, the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act. The bill aims for a clean termination of the OPT program and would block the creation of any similar initiative without explicit authorization from the US Congress. In a recent letter to the White House, Gosar argued that OPT is "unauthorized, abused, and costly to the American taxpayer," claiming it prioritizes foreign workers over domestic talent.
Gosar frames OPT as a regulatory loophole that undermines the American workforce. The program, established in 1992 and later expanded during the Obama administration, allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the US for up to three years after completing just one year of education, particularly in STEM fields. Critics like Gosar contend that the program itself creates an artificial labor gap that is then filled by foreign graduates, often at lower costs, thereby disadvantaging American students.
OPT by the Numbers: India's Dominant Role and STEM Focus
Official data from the US Congress and the Library of Congress reveals a dramatic surge in OPT participation. Since 2007—the earliest year with comparable Homeland Security data—authorizations have more than doubled. Key trends include:
- Participation grew from 154,522 in 2007 to 418,781 in 2024, with a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The introduction and expansion of the STEM OPT extension in 2008 and 2016 allowed students to stay and work for longer periods.
- More than two-thirds of OPT participants come from Asian countries.
Between 2020 and 2024, the top countries of origin were:
- India (35% of the total)
- China (24%)
- South Korea (3%)
- Taiwan, Nepal, Canada, Nigeria, Vietnam, Brazil, and Mexico.
The program is overwhelmingly concentrated in STEM fields. In 2024, 31% of OPT students majored in computer science and 18% in engineering. Business majors accounted for 15%. Major employers include tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as large university systems such as the University of California and Arizona State University.
The Core Debate: American Jobs vs. Global Talent for Innovation
The controversy over OPT highlights a fundamental tension in US immigration policy. Supporters, including many tech companies and universities, argue the program is vital. It fills acknowledged skill shortages in STEM, provides international students with practical experience, and helps US firms compete globally by accessing specialized talent.
However, critics pose a stark question: Is America sidelining its own graduates in favor of cheaper foreign labor? They argue that the program depresses wages and creates unfair competition for entry-level roles.
For the large Indian student community in the US, OPT is a critical bridge to professional experience and a potential pathway to longer-term work visas like the H-1B. Its elimination would represent a major policy shift. Proponents of the program counter that OPT participants often bring niche, high-demand skills in fields like data analytics and computer science, where local supply falls short. They also note the program's time-bound nature limits its long-term market impact and that it fuels innovation and research output in American institutions.
The real policy challenge, therefore, may not be a binary choice between American and international students. The discussion in Washington is increasingly focusing on whether adjustments for greater transparency and fairness, rather than outright elimination, can balance domestic workforce needs with the benefits of global talent mobility.
