Students' backdoor to US jobs? Senators target OPT amid bill to freeze H-1B

U.S. senators have introduced legislation that would freeze the H-1B visa program and impose new restrictions on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows international students to work in the United States after graduation. The bill targets OPT as a potential backdoor for foreign students to enter the U.S. job market.

The proposed legislation aims to suspend the issuance of new H-1B visas for a period of time, while also placing limits on the duration and scope of OPT. Critics of the current system argue that OPT undermines American workers by allowing foreign graduates to stay and work without the same regulatory oversight as H-1B visas.

Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to protect U.S. jobs and ensure that foreign talent programs are not exploited. However, opponents warn that restricting OPT could harm U.S. competitiveness by driving away skilled international students who contribute to innovation and the economy.

The bill faces an uncertain path in Congress, but its introduction signals growing scrutiny of both the H-1B and OPT programs. If passed, the changes would significantly affect Indian students and professionals, who are among the largest beneficiaries of these programs.