President Joe Biden’s immigration policy has permitted around 400,000 international students at U.S. universities to engage in white-collar work in 2024.
This number represents a 45% increase compared to the 275,000 approvals under former President Donald Trump in 2020, which was a decrease from the 294,000 permits granted by President Barack Obama in 2016.
Joe Edlow, president of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under Trump, expressed concerns about wages being negatively impacted by this policy. “I think it makes wages depressed, and that’s something we need to worry about,” he said.
He also mentioned to Breitbart News on August 11 that the OPT program is frequently utilized to circumvent the H-1B visa cap, which impacts job opportunities for U.S. graduates from the same universities.
In 2024, there’s an estimated one foreign graduate being given a work permit for every two American graduates holding high-tech degrees.
The influx of foreign graduates may lead to many young American alumni facing not just low wages but also limited job prospects.
OPT and CPT Programs
The jobs available under this framework are largely through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program initiated in 2008 during George W. Bush’s presidency. This program allows foreign graduates to gain work experience without requiring Congressional endorsement and incentivizes the hiring of these individuals over American citizens.
The OPT program grants one-year work permits to foreign graduates, and those in STEM fields can receive permits for up to three years.
Currently, there are about 640,000 foreign students and graduates eligible for work permits, with around 400,000 having reportedly started working.
However, the employment landscape for these individuals varies—while some are quickly hired in positions aligned with their studies, there are also many reports of U.S. graduates struggling to find similar opportunities.
The CPT program offers a year-long work permit for foreign students enrolled in U.S. universities and aims to place students in hands-on experiences, mainly in STEM areas.
This influx poses challenges for domestic graduates, as many foreign workers are perceived to be filling roles that could be taken by American alumni—jobs that were once pathways for young Americans to build careers.
Recent reports suggest that despite advances in technology, many American graduates are left without job offers in their fields. A recent example highlighted a computer science graduate who received just one interview opportunity from a fast-food restaurant.
Concerns about the employment landscape have led to varying opinions, particularly among conservatives and Republicans, who view this as a critical issue impacting the middle class and youth.
Additionally, the sheer number of foreign graduates stepping into white-collar roles raises concerns about national and economic stability, as some believe it compromises professional standards and innovation.
The debate stretches across different perspectives, including input from various governmental departments on visa programs and claims of unfair advantages for foreign workers.
Edlow emphasizes the need for collaboration with the Department of Labor and Education to address these issues. While he acknowledges the OPT program’s existence, he questions its overall legality and effectiveness.
Despite criticism, the program has staunch support from universities and major corporations that benefit from the labor provided by foreign graduates.
As the situation evolves, many students, particularly from India, are voicing concerns over potential visa abuses but also recognize the economic importance of remittances back home.
In conclusion, the landscape for both foreign and American graduates is increasingly complex, filled with challenges and uncertainties as the workforce continues to evolve.
