Study Abroad 101: All the OPT drama & why it doesn't matter
In this week's edition, we discuss the recent proposals to OPT, Trump's Executive Order on OPT for Chinese students, and if it has any significance on the Indian Study Abroad community.
“Don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama
Reading time 2 minutes & 27 seconds.
As we discussed in one of our previous newsletters, STEM Masters in the US is a very popular career path for international students seeking a global impact.
And one of the reasons is Optional Practical Training (OPT), a special status under F1 student visa that allows STEM graduates to work in the US for up to 3 years.
Recently, there has been a fair amount of drama on OPT casting uncertainty and confusion in student minds. Let us break down the drama and what’s the impact on your life.
TL;DR: There is NO impact. In fact, support for OPT has grown!
Drama 1: Trump tweets - Stop Immigration
On April 21st 2020, US President Donald Trump published a vague tweet on suspending immigration to US. This created concern among international student community on the potential impact on F1, OPT, and H1B. However - the Executive Order had no relation to non-immigrant visa statuses.
Result: Green card process halted for 60 days. No change in OPT.
Impact: None
Drama 2: Republican Senators appeal Trump to curtail OPT
On May 7th 2020, 4 Republican Senators (same political party as Trump) urged Trump to curtail OPT till American unemployment levels return back to normalcy.
There was no bill introduced to the Senate nor was any formal action taken on the appeal. In fact, on June 2nd 2020, 21 House of Representatives of the Republican Party wrote a letter to Secretary of State to uphold the OPT program as it allows US to be competitive as a destination for international education.
Result: No change in OPT. In fact, support for OPT increased.
Impact: None
Drama 3: Trump signs Executive Order to limit Chinese students
On May 29, 2020, Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation aimed at restricting entry of Chinese student and researchers who have ties to PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) ‘Military-Civil Fusion’, quoting security risks.
Only a minuscule section of the Chinese study abroad community is related to PRC. Furthermore, the Executive Order bars entry of new students and researchers - and does not affect F1, OPT, H1B visas in any fashion.
If you are an international student or aspirant and not related to PRC, there is nothing to worry about.
Result: No change in OPT. No change in visas for any student if you’re not Chinese. Temporary pause for minuscule minority of Chinese aspirants.
Impact: None
Conclusion: OPT, F1 remain same
There is always rhetoric and proclamations when it comes to migrants (temporary or permanent). It’s important to not let the drama affect you. US has an inherent shortage of STEM talent and the supply for talent is met by skilled internationals such as you :)
Keep calm and carry on!
Our internet picks for the week
200+ Fall 2020 admits at Harvard Business School choose to defer.
University of Notre Dame’s President urges Trump administration to expedite student visa processing.
An Attorney’s perspective on Trump’s Executive Orders.
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