Bill introduced in US Parliament concerned Indian students, why 3 lakh students work visas in danger
Washington:
A bill has been introduced in the US Parliament Congress to abolish optional practice training. This move of America has stirred up Indian students. This can affect more than 300,000 students. According to the report of The Economic Times, optional practice training i.e. OPT Program Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) (Stem) (Stem) (Stem) sectors allow international students to achieve practical work experience for 3 years in America after graduation.
Impact on Indian students
According to the Open Doors 2024 report, Indian students are getting the most benefit. The year 2023-2024 is 97,556 participants in the academic year, which is 41% higher than the previous year. The bill may force these students to leave the US immediately after graduating, which may cause problems in their career prospects and financial stability. Many students depend on OPT to repay heavy loans.
Career results
With the passage of this bill, job opportunities for Indian students can also be limited, due to which they may have to seek employment in countries like Canada or European countries. This step of America can also affect the American job market, especially in stem areas, where international student plays an important role in removing skills.
H-1B Visa race
Currently F-1 and M-1 student visa holder students are looking for fast jobs to get H-1B work visa. This visa is mainly sponsored by large American and Indian technology companies. However, it is quite difficult to get a H-1B visa, as its limited number is available every year. Students are trying to get a job offer before the possible changes are implemented.
Opinion of experts
Eastern Chothani, founder of immigration law firm Lockvest, spoke about the seriousness of the situation. As it is also mentioned in the ET report: “OPT allows students to find jobs in the US for one year after being graduated and can be extended for 2 more years, provided you are stem graduates and working with a qualified American employer.” If the bill is passed, students may lose this opportunity and they may be forced to leave America immediately.
Traveling concerns
According to this report, many Indian students have canceled their summer journey plan, as they are afraid that they will not be allowed to enter the country again. Reputed institutions such as Cornell, Colombia and Yale have informally advised foreign students to avoid traveling home during the holidays, making uncertainty to be a discourse of uncertainty.
Extensive impact
This proposed bill is part of the widespread anti-immigrant policies running under the current administration. The major promises of US President Donald Trump’s campaign include large-scale deployment and strict visa control, which has increased discomfort among F-1 and M-1 visa holders. The passage of this bill may also affect American universities, which are expecting the decrease in the number of international students and the economic loss from it.