Could Trump Target The OPT Program? How Will It Impact Indian Students?

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Indian students form a vital part of the U.S. higher education system, with nearly 269,000 enrolled in 2024, marking a 35% increase over the previous year. They are second only to Chinese students in numbers and predominantly pursue graduate programs in science, technology, and business.

However, the future of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—a key pathway for Indian students seeking work experience in the U.S.—is under scrutiny and could face significant changes if political tides shift.

The OPT program allows international students on F-1 visas to gain temporary work experience in their field of study, with STEM graduates eligible to work for up to three years. This program has been a major draw for Indian students, providing a chance to leverage their education in the U.S. job market. Critics, however, argue that it operates as a “backdoor” immigration pathway, competing with American workers for jobs and bypassing traditional visa channels.

Organizations like the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers have gone to court, saying it undermines U.S. workers by prioritizing foreign labor. Other groups such as the U.S. Tech Workers accuse universities of “selling work permits instead of education,” intensifying calls for reform or abolition.

In the past, administrations across the political aisle have supported and extended the OPT program, noting its contributions to the U.S. economy and cultural exchange. Yet, the growing skepticism surrounding foreign worker programs has placed OPT in a precarious position.

Trump’s rhetoric on protecting American jobs aligns with the criticisms aimed at OPT, raising questions about whether his administration would seek to curtail or abolish it.

The stakes are particularly high for Indian students. Many see OPT as a crucial opportunity to gain U.S. work experience, often serving as a stepping stone to securing H-1B visas or permanent residency. If OPT is dismantled, it could significantly reduce the attractiveness of U.S. universities.

Also Read: 38% Decline In Indian Students Getting F-1 Visas In 2024