Optional Practical Training Programme ⌥ may have its advantages on the American economy but the Trump administration may obtrude curtailment on the students who want to work in the U.S. after graduation on OPT which allows foreign students to gain work experience for as long as three years, during or after completing their studies at a U.S. college or university.

President’s Impetus

In light of recent Novel coronavirus crisis, Trump released a presidential proclamation that lists an end date for suspending entry of most new immigrants as 60 days and Forbes stated, “While the presidential proclamation lists an end date of 60 days, in reality, the measure is likely to continue so long as Donald Trump is president.”

“Neither the F1 foreign workers on OPT nor their employers are required to pay FICA taxes creating a 15% discount for employers when hiring OPT foreign workers before American Citizens.”, Senator Paul Gossar writes in a letter to The White House in June 2019, “This represents billions in tax loss to the country and our citizens.” He also notes that “OPT hurts American Citizens: debt-laden college grads are being denied employment opportunities.”

Rebuttal for elimination of OPT

· Impact on US economy

According to a study by Zavodny for National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), policymakers may assess if heavier restrictions may be needed or if is more likely to harm the U.S. economy, technological innovation and American universities.

NAFSA's latest analysis finds that international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $41 billion and supported 458,290 jobs to the U.S. economy during the 2018-2019 academic year.

· Big tech firms set up by immigrants

Moreover, nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were set up by first generation immigrants or their successors. Companies like Google, eBay, and Sun Microsystems are a handful among thousands of firms founded by immigrants and employing hundreds of thousands of Americans who used the OPT as a springboard towards other goals.

· Flattening the curve of unemployment

The tech firms founded by immigrants are responsible for increments in employment and the NFAP Policy Brief Study 2019 finds, “There is no evidence that foreign students participating in the OPT program reduces job opportunities for U.S. workers. Instead, the evidence suggests that U.S. employers are more likely to turn to foreign students workers when U.S. workers are scarcer.” The immigration research organization for NFAP brief study 2019 notes, “Moreover, the data show that unemployment rates are lower in areas with larger numbers of foreign students on OPT as a share of worker in STEM occupations. In fact, the OPT program may contribute to economic growth as STEM workers, many of whom are foreign-born, are vital to the U.S. economy.”

On the whole

Since a long time, one of the prime agendas of the Trump presidency has been to limit or eliminate OPT. But evidently curtailing OPT has many downsides affecting U.S. economy and employment number. The NFAP brief study 2019 concludes that “the OPT program is an important way [for the U.S.] to attract and retain foreign-born talent.” Perhaps, Trump’s American dream: Buy American, Hire American, may never see the light of day but not limiting the OPT will most certainly make America great again.

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