Washington, March 20 (NationPress) - A bipartisan initiative has been introduced by US lawmakers to safeguard a crucial work program for international students, aiming to retain foreign graduates, particularly thousands from India, amid escalating global competition for skilled professionals.

Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, and Indian American Raja Krishnamoorthi presented the Keep Innovators in America Act, which seeks to establish the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program as law, providing essential long-term assurance for students, educational institutions, and employers.

This legislation proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act to officially permit international students to engage in practical training and employment authorization relevant to their academic disciplines, extending even after they meet their degree requirements.

For over thirty years, both political parties have upheld OPT through regulatory measures. Lawmakers emphasized that making it law would prevent sudden policy changes and guarantee stability.

“We face a decision: whether to nurture the brightest students in the US for our national success or send them back to China, India, and other nations to establish companies that may compete with us,” stated Liccardo.

Obernolte remarked that this bill would offer clarity and responsibility to the program. “Codifying the Optional Practical Training program brings essential clarity and accountability to a system that allows students to acquire hands-on experience in their fields,” he added. He further noted that retaining talent is crucial “during a time of increasing global competition.”

This legislative action follows indications from the Trump administration in November regarding the potential elimination of the OPT program, raising fears that US-trained talent might migrate to competing economies.

International students significantly contribute to the US economy. During the 2024–2025 academic year alone, they generated $42.9 billion, aiding businesses, research institutions, and local communities.

The bill enjoys broad support from diverse coalitions of industry groups, universities, and immigration advocates.

Jill Welch, Executive Director of the US for Success Coalition, noted that Congress has “an opportunity to provide clarity and stability through the codification of OPT, ensuring the United States remains the premier destination for global talent.”

Linda Moore, President and CEO of TechNet, described the bill as “a wise, bipartisan step to enhance US innovation and competitiveness,” asserting that codifying OPT would deliver “the long-term stability that students, institutions, and employers require.”

Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us, emphasized that enabling international students to work post-graduation “is not just logical, it is vital for our nation’s long-term economic resilience.”

According to Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, international students are “a foundational element of America’s innovation pipeline and a significant force in local economies.” He highlighted that they contribute over $40 billion each year and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Education organizations reported that more than 290,000 international students participated in OPT during the 2024–2025 academic year, with many in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, assisting in addressing workforce shortages.

Industry leaders also underscored the implications for national security and economic stability. Jason Oxman, President and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, asserted that this bill ensures “the best students continue to receive practical training and job authorization to innovate in the US—not overseas.”

Scott Corley, Executive Director of Compete America, reiterated that preserving OPT is “a crucial step toward retaining top talent in the United States, ensuring our economy, national security, and innovation ecosystem remain the strongest globally.”

This issue holds particular significance for India, as Indian students represent one of the largest groups of international students in the US, many of whom depend on OPT as a bridge from education to employment.

OPT has traditionally complemented the H-1B visa system, allowing graduates to gain professional experience before transitioning to more permanent employment pathways. This program is especially critical in STEM fields, where US employers face ongoing talent shortages.

In recent years, the competition for skilled labor has intensified globally, with countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia expanding post-study work options to attract international students.