Protecting Optional Practical Training is in our national interest

Immigration restrictionists are trying to end OPT

Anti-immigration advocates have stepped up attacks on a number of legal immigration programs, including OPT, a program that allows international graduates to secure employment in their area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience and enter the jobs pipeline. These organizations and lawmakers have pushed lawsuits and legislation attempting to eliminate practical training options for graduates.

That is why FWD.us led 63 U.S. employers, business organizations, and trade associations in filing an amicus brief in WashTech v. DHS to combat these continued attempts to end OPT. In the amicus brief, these leaders from the business community explained the critical role programs like OPT can play in welcoming skilled professionals to the U.S. workforce.

The judge in that case agreed, and ruled in favor of protecting OPT. Despite another loss, the groups have again appealed the decision, renewing their efforts to end OPT.

In contrast, filling critical roles allows employers to increase productivity and expand operations, creating opportunity and raising wages for native-born workers as well. One study found that an increase in 100 STEM professionals with an advanced degree from a U.S. school was associated with 262 additional jobs for U.S.-born workers.

Despite the growing need, U.S. universities are losing international students to competing nations like Canada and Australia. As a result, America’s leadership as the current top destination for international scholars is at risk.

Ending OPT would hurt the U.S. economy and benefit our competitors

International students add tremendous value and “are particularly valued because they improve higher education, subsidize domestic students, and contribute to national economies.” International students on OPT are attractive candidates for employers because of their occupational qualifications, language skills, and familiarity with American institutions, business practices, and culture.

But it’s not just a matter of wasted potential. The Business Roundtable estimates that curbing OPT could cost hundreds of thousands of jobs for U.S.-born workers, while also shrinking wages, reducing GDP, and slowing the creation of business creation. And if the OPT program does not exist for educated graduates to stay in the U.S., we will not only miss out on their contributions – they will directly benefit other countries, including countries with which the U.S. is in direct competition.

A recent study found that foreign affiliate employment increased as a direct response to restrictions in the United States concerning the employment of high-skilled foreign born professionals. This effect was measured most significantly for R&D-intensive firms. This is important because U.S. companies fund the vast majority (72%) of U.S.-based research and development; if employers are unable to hire needed individuals, that R&D development may move overseas. Over the past two decades, the National Science Foundation reports that the percentage of global R&D (including applied research) done in the U.S. has fallen as China has dramatically increased its R&D focus and state-funded R&D.