MAGA Targets OPT Program: Major Changes Expected Amid H-1B Scrutiny

MAGA hardliners are recently targeting the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program that allows international students, especially those from India to work after graduation in the USA. This concern came to light amid the H1B Visa debate where Indian professionals are facing major challenges due to Trump administered H1B visa reforms. Major changes in OPT are expected as MAGA targets H1B.

The OPT program typically allows international students with F-1 visas on completion of their first academic year to stay back and work in USA for 12 months in the relevant field of study to gain work experience. OPT extension of 36 months of work is offered if they are STEM graduates in US.

Critiques on this argue that this OPT program was originally meant for just a short duration skill development pathway for relevant industry work experience; however, it has gradually become a source of long term immigration pathways for international students seeking to stay and work in USA permanently. Hence, students often use this shortcut channel instead of traditional ones. On this note, MAGA nativists target OPT program for international students amid rising scrutiny of H-1B visas.

MAGA supporters tend to oppose the OPT program by stating that it is a short term work permit and not a long term work visa. With this trend, OPT workers are up to for any work showing desperation for H1B sponsorship. This has narrowed the career opportunities for American graduates. This is one of the major reasons Trump's MAGA supporters opposed OPT programme after H1B visa reforms.

The immigration policy including the OPT program for foreign nationals since 1947 allows international students with work rights in US for up to 36 months as per the current rules with an H1B visa. Many foreign students, including Indian students, often come to US on an F1 visa with an expectation of industry experience in US economy through OPT and further transition to H1B visas. OPT gives them around 7 to 9 years in the USA which is vital and enough time to obtain green cards for US citizenship. In 2024, around 23% to 30% of F1 and M1 students were authorized to work through OPT. Nearly, 98-99% of participants are in F1 status.

Now, the program's future is uncertain with some new MAGA opposers arguing for its elimination. Contrarily, many support the program and defend it as it is a major pathway to attracting talented international students that further help boost the US economy. We can expect major changes in OPT as MAGA targets H1-B visas. So, OPT has been under increasing scrutiny for a while.

MAGA hardliners demand OPT be cancelled to protect American graduates seeking job prospects. Hence, if the OPT program is eliminated in the near future, it is expected that international students, the majority of Indian students will leave the US upon graduation from their respective courses without any practical work experience. The major changes expected in OPT as MAGA nativists target the program will reduce the number of students coming to US for studies.

Related Links:

OPT Full Form in US

Difference Between CPT and OPT

Effects of MAGA nativists target OPT program for foreign students

How will these MAGA nativists targeting OPT programs for foreign students amid rising scrutiny of H-1B visas affect them? They will not get an opportunity to work in US companies upon graduation. Appeal for US universities in 2025 will reduce, and hereby decreasing the number of international students in them. Technically, the backbone of the US economy is majorly contributed by foreign students as they pay twice or thrice the tuition fees of domestic students. With the elimination of OPT, it will eventually affect the US economy.

Also Check: Post Study Work Visa in USA