The American Dream in Jeopardy
Once a beacon of opportunity, the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration is becoming an increasingly uncertain destination for international students—especially Indians. A new bill introduced in Congress seeks to dismantle the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a crucial pathway that allows foreign graduates to gain work experience in the US. This move, rooted in the administration’s “Buy American, Hire American” philosophy, could severely disrupt the lives and futures of over 3 lakh Indian students. What does this mean for them, and how is the world responding?
The OPT Programme: A Gateway to Opportunity
The OPT programme has long served as a stepping stone for international students to gain practical experience and transition to long-term employment in the United States. Students on F-1 visas can work for up to 12 months after graduation, while those in STEM fields are eligible for an additional 24-month extension—giving them a total of three years of work authorization.
The rationale behind the programme is clear: it allows students to apply academic knowledge in a real-world context and contribute meaningfully to the US economy. As Jim Hicks from the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme noted, OPT offers students a vital chance to bridge the gap between education and employment.
OPT has seen dramatic growth over the years. From just 24,838 participants in 2007 to more than 2.2 lakh in 2023 (with 62,036 in the STEM extension alone), the programme is now a major component of the US academic and employment pipeline for foreign students.
Trump’s Legislative Crackdown: The “Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act”
On March 25, Representative Paul Gosar introduced a bill that threatens to eliminate the OPT programme entirely. Branded the “Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act,” the legislation proposes slashing OPT down to just four months with no extensions. Additionally, it bars participation from individuals working in sensitive sectors or those associated with entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
The administration argues that OPT has skewed hiring practices, making foreign graduates more attractive to employers who can bypass payroll taxes—estimated at an eight per cent cost saving. Trump’s broader immigration crackdown and preference for local hiring have given political cover to this bill, aligning with his rhetoric of protecting American workers.
However, critics say this is a short-sighted move. The bipartisan organisation FWD.us described OPT as an “imperfect but essential bridge” that gives international graduates a chance to develop skills, gain exposure, and potentially transition into other visa categories like the H-1B.
How Indian Students Are Caught in the Crossfire
No group stands to lose more than Indian students. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, over 3.3 lakh Indian students were enrolled in US institutions in the 2023–24 academic year. Of these, nearly 97,556 were participating in OPT—a staggering 41% increase from the previous year.
If the bill passes, these students could be left in limbo, with immediate and severe consequences. Many might be forced to leave the country suddenly, unable to repay student loans or secure alternate employment. The pressure has led to a frantic rush for H-1B sponsorships, mostly from large tech companies—a route that is both highly competitive and uncertain.
Legal experts warn that such a move could cause mass upheaval. “Students may be forced to leave without transitioning to another work visa,” they said, emphasizing how this would disrupt not just personal lives but also broader career and economic aspirations.
Fear, Confusion, and a Changing Tone in the US
The move to axe OPT follows a larger wave of tightening immigration policy. The atmosphere has grown increasingly hostile. Reports have emerged of Indian students being deported over minor infractions like speeding or lane violations—offences that rarely triggered such severe consequences in the past.
An immigration lawyer from Texas, described the revocation of student status over such minor issues as “extremely rare,” yet it’s becoming alarmingly common. Students are receiving abrupt notices that their F-1 visas are invalid, forcing them to leave the country with little notice. The environment is now one of deep anxiety and uncertainty.
A study abroad platform cofounder told the media, students are “now clouded in doubt.” For many, the dream of studying and working in the US is quickly turning into a nightmare.
International Reaction: Concern and Criticism
The proposed changes have sparked concern globally. Universities, advocacy groups, and foreign governments are raising alarms about the long-term effects of dismantling a programme that has benefitted not just students, but also the US economy and workforce. American universities fear a sharp decline in foreign enrolment—a major source of funding and academic diversity.
International education groups argue that the OPT rollback will hurt America’s competitiveness in attracting global talent. If students no longer see the US as a viable place to build careers, they will turn to Canada, Australia, the UK, and other countries with friendlier post-study work policies.
A Crossroads for US-India Educational Ties
The OPT programme is more than a work opportunity—it represents a bridge between education and global leadership. Scrapping it would not only disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of Indian students but also jeopardize America’s standing as the world’s top education destination.
A more balanced path forward is essential. Policymakers must weigh national employment priorities against the invaluable contributions of international students. Comprehensive immigration reform, clearer pathways to work visas, and protections against arbitrary deportations must form the core of this new strategy.
If the US wants to remain a magnet for global talent, it must preserve and strengthen the very systems that made it a beacon in the first place. Without that, the American Dream may fade—not just for Indians, but for the world.
(With inputs from agencies)
