Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has alleged serious abuses of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for international students in the United States. The following is a statement from NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
NAFSA, and the international education professionals we represent, take the responsibility of complying with U.S. visa and immigration laws very seriously. We condemn individuals, institutions, and employers who exploit OPT. They must face the full consequences of violating U.S. laws.
We look forward to learning more from the government about abuses of the student immigration system so that higher education institutions and organizations such as NAFSA can help ensure instances of fraud are swiftly identified, addressed, and adjudicated.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) exists to monitor and manage international students and scholars at every phase of their experience in the United States, from admission through post-graduation. This database makes international students and exchange visitors the most tracked nonimmigrants in this country.
Optional Practical Training enables international students to help fill critical U.S. workforce gaps—especially in STEM fields—and fuels innovation in America’s workplaces. As a nation, we must recognize that the United States is competing in a global economy and it is in our best interest to attract and retain the world’s brightest minds while also strengthening the growth of our domestic workforce. The United States’ reputation as the leading destination for research and innovation depends on robust domestic and international talent pipelines.