As international students navigate an already difficult immigration system, a new proposal could shake up their academic and career future. Joseph Edlow, President Donald Trump’s pick for the top role at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has indicated plans to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—sending shockwaves through student communities across the country.

OPT Elimination Proposal Raises Red Flags

During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Edlow made it clear: if selected, he would move to dismantle the OPT program. This comes at a time when students on OPT are already receiving unsettling letters from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), warning of potential termination of their SEVIS records due to incomplete employer data.

These letters, some of which were reviewed by The Times of India, note that missing employer information may be considered a violation of OPT rules. Students are being given just 15 days to correct their records or face immigration consequences—including possible deportation.

Why Optional Practical Training (OPT) Is Crucial

The OPT program is a lifeline for many international students hoping to gain real-world experience after graduation. Under current U.S. immigration policy, students on F-1 visas can work for up to 12 months post-graduation in a role related to their field of study. Those in STEM fields can qualify for a 24-month extension, making STEM OPT a key draw for science and tech talent globally.

However, the system is tightly regulated. Participants must report their employment status in SEVIS and are limited to 90 days of unemployment—or 150 days if they have a STEM extension. This structure not only supports U.S. industries hungry for skilled labor, but also enhances the global competitiveness of American universities.

What the OPT Ban Means for Indian Students

Indian students stand to lose the most from a potential OPT shutdown. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, Indian nationals represent one of the largest international student demographics in the U.S., with 331,602 enrolled during the 2023–2024 academic year. Of those, 97,556 are currently engaged in OPT—a 41% jump from the previous year.

Ending OPT would effectively slam the door on valuable post-study work opportunities. It could force thousands of Indian students to leave the U.S. prematurely or abandon career plans entirely. More broadly, this move could push prospective applicants to seek education in countries with more stable post-study work policies, like Canada or the UK.

Meanwhile, universities and tech companies—many of which rely heavily on OPT to fill internships and entry-level roles—may feel the ripple effects through labor shortages and reduced international appeal. With U.S. higher education already facing stiff global competition, removing OPT might tip the scales against American institutions.

That said, the proposal isn’t finalized, and the nomination process is ongoing. But for now, Edlow’s stance has reignited anxiety among international students who just want a fair shot at building a future in the U.S.