Florida Senator Rick Scott has introduced a bill called the American Talent First Act to end the optional practical training program as a pathway to H-1B visas. Scott said Americans should have the first right to live the American Dream, and he was proud to introduce a bill opposing OPT, which allows employers to recruit foreigners under the guise of job training. Scott’s proposal would prohibit DHS funds from being used to run the program. Employers who hire graduates under the program would receive tax breaks, a double loss for the United States, the proposal said. The government is funding this program that essentially prevents Americans from being employed.“We need more jobs for hard-working Americans, not more jobs for foreign workers, including thousands from communist China who came over to take advantage of the system,” Scott said. “I am proud to introduce a bill to end the Optional Practical Training Program, which allows employers to import foreign labor under the guise of job training, thereby eliminating American workers’ opportunities for good jobs. We need to ensure that Americans who work hard and play by the rules still have a chance to achieve their American dream.“Scott told The Daily Signal that when he talks to people about OPT, people are shocked.“We need to make sure that Americans who work hard and follow the rules still have a chance to achieve their American dream,” Scott said.
What is OPT ?
Optional Practical Training is a temporary work authorization that allows international students holding an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience consistent with their field of study. STEM students can get OPT extensions, and eventually, many interns are hired by companies, which file H-1B petitions for them. OPT is considered a pipeline for H-1B, and American graduates have no chance here.“The OPT program is not authorized by federal law. Employers can even receive tax breaks when hiring foreign graduates under the program, giving foreigners an advantage over U.S. citizens. At the same time, it is difficult for U.S. graduates to find jobs in the industries occupied by OPT license holders,” the senator said in a statement.“By eliminating funding for the OPT program, we will provide more job opportunities for American workers and help them achieve the American dream. It also closes the door to threats posed by foreign adversaries gaining access to innovative technologies and sensitive data in U.S. industry. “
4-Year Rules for F-1 Students
A new Department of Homeland Security rule stipulates that F-1 visas are valid for four years. After four years, students will have to seek an extension and pass procedures such as biometrics. Although DHS is not considering eliminating funding for the OPT program, this four-year rule will disrupt F-1 students’ OPT programs. Currently, F-1 students can stay in the United States as long as they maintain student status and comply with the terms of their visa.
