Safeguarding International Students: New Bill Aims to Protect OPT Program
A bipartisan duo introduces a bill to codify the Optional Practical Training program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. after graduation, as the Trump administration threatens to end the program.
Safeguarding International Students: New Bill Aims to Protect OPT Program
In a move to counter the Trump administration's efforts to end a crucial program for international students, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to codify the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The OPT program, which has been in place since 1992, allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation, with an extension of up to 24 months for STEM students.
The bill, introduced by Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-CA) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA), seeks to solidify the OPT program's legal standing, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of foreign students can continue to contribute their skills and expertise to the U.S. workforce.
Source: The Verge
