Florida Senator Rick Scott has introduced a bill to end the Optional Practical Training Program, which serves as a pathway to H-1B visas. Scott said Americans should have the first right to the American Dream and he was proud to introduce a bill against OPT that allows employers to recruit foreigners under the guise of on-the-job training. Scott’s proposal would prevent Department of Homeland Security funding from being used to run the program. The proposal states that employers get tax breaks on hiring graduates under this program, making it a double loss for America. The government is funding a program that is basically keeping Americans from getting hired.Scott said, “We need to provide more jobs for hardworking Americans, not for foreign workers – including thousands from Communist China – who come in to exploit the system.” “I am proud to introduce a bill to end the Optional Practical Training Program, which has allowed employers to import foreign workers under the guise of on-the-job training, eliminating opportunities for American workers to get good jobs. We need to make sure that Americans who work hard and play by the rules still have a chance to live their American dream.“Scott told The Daily Signal that when he talks to people about OPT they are shocked.Scott said, “We need to make sure that Americans who work hard and play by the rules still have a chance to live their American dream.”
What is OPT? ?
Optional Practical Training is a temporary work authorization that allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience commensurate with their field of study. STEM students can get extensions on OPT and eventually, many of these interns are hired by the company and the company files H-1B petitions for them. OPT is seen as a pipeline to H-1B and American graduates don’t stand a chance here.The senator said in his statement, “The OPT program is not authorized by federal law. Employers also receive tax breaks for hiring foreign graduates under the program, giving foreigners an advantage over U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, American graduates struggle to find employment in the industries that employ OPT permit holders.”“By funding the OPT program, more jobs will be available to help American workers achieve their American Dream. It also closes the door to threats posed by foreign adversaries operating in U.S. industries with access to innovative technology and sensitive data.”
4 year rule for F-1 students
A new rule of the Department of Homeland Security increases the validity of F-1 visa to four years. After four years, students will have to take extensions for the process and undergo biometrics etc. Although DHS is not looking to cancel the OPT program, this 4-year rule will create disruption to OPT programs for F-1 students. Currently, F-1 students can stay in the US as long as they maintain their student status and comply with visa requirements.