Overview

• Joseph Edlow, nominee for USCIS director, pledged during Senate hearings to remove work authorizations for F-1 visa holders after graduation, effectively ending the OPT program.
• The Optional Practical Training program currently allows international students up to 12 months of work post-graduation, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates.
• Over 242,000 students participated in OPT during the 2023/24 academic year, contributing significantly to U.S. university revenues and the STEM workforce pipeline.
• Higher education leaders and tech companies warn that eliminating OPT would damage U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and its ability to attract global talent.
• Edlow's proposal contrasts with Donald Trump's earlier stance advocating for green cards for international graduates, highlighting internal GOP divisions on immigration policy.