🚨 OPT Cancelled? | ❌ F1/SEVIS Terminations | 💼 Job Market Reality

Summary

In this candid video, the speaker addresses concerns of international students, particularly from India, regarding the U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, potential deportations, and the tough job market. They clarify that claims about OPT being eliminated are based on a proposed bill that has failed multiple times and is unlikely to pass. The speaker also emphasizes that deportation cases are often linked to serious offenses and advises students not to panic. While the job market is currently competitive, they reassure that it will recover over time, especially for graduates from reputable universities. The video encourages informed decision-making amidst sensational media coverage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program is not likely to be eliminated despite rumors based on a proposed bill by Senator Paul Gosar, which has failed multiple times before.
• 😀 The bill to eliminate OPT is still just a proposal and would face significant opposition in the Senate, making it unlikely to pass.
• 😀 Even if the bill passed, it would need to go through the courts and prove that the OPT is unconstitutional, which is a lengthy process.
• 😀 Deportations and F1 visa status cancellations are mostly due to serious offenses like DUIs, shoplifting, and political protests, not random or minor incidents.
• 😀 The actual number of deportation cases among international students is very small, affecting only 300 to 500 students out of 1 million.
• 😀 Discrimination against international students is not as widespread as it might appear, with most visa cancellations being linked to legal violations.
• 😀 The U.S. economy still requires international students, particularly STEM graduates, for its workforce, making it unlikely that the U.S. would eliminate OPT.
• 😀 The job market in the U.S. is currently challenging, particularly in tech, due to overhiring during the post-COVID recovery and inflation-related slowdowns.
• 😀 The job market is cyclical, and the situation will improve for students graduating in 2026 or 2027 as the economy stabilizes and more jobs become available.
• 😀 Deciding not to go to the U.S. for education based solely on current job market conditions is shortsighted, as the job market will improve over time.
• 😀 It’s crucial to choose top-tier universities for better job prospects and opportunities, as attending a mediocre institution could make it harder to secure employment after graduation.

Q & A

What is the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, and why is it a point of concern for Indian students?

The OPT program allows international students to stay in the U.S. and work after completing their studies. The concern for Indian students stems from fears that the program may be eliminated, impacting their ability to work in the U.S. after graduation.

Is there a legitimate threat of the OPT program being eliminated?

No, while a bill to eliminate OPT has been proposed, it is highly unlikely to pass. Bills are not laws, and similar proposals have failed in the past. Even if it did pass, the bill would have to go through a lengthy legal process before any changes could be made.

What are the main reasons for deportations and visa status cancellations for international students?

Deportations and visa cancellations primarily occur due to serious offenses such as involvement in political protests, DUI offenses, shoplifting, and severe traffic violations. Minor offenses, like small speeding tickets, do not typically result in deportation.

How common are deportations and visa cancellations for international students in the U.S.?

Deportations and visa cancellations are rare, with only about 300 to 500 cases reported annually among approximately 1 million international students in the U.S. Most of these cases involve serious offenses.

Why is there panic regarding the elimination of the OPT program among students?

The panic is fueled by media sensationalism and misleading reports. The proposed bill, which aims to eliminate OPT, has been introduced multiple times in the past but has failed each time. The uncertainty surrounding the issue has been amplified by misinformation.

How does the job market in the U.S. impact international students looking for work after graduation?

The job market, particularly in tech, has been challenging due to overhiring in 2022, followed by layoffs due to economic conditions. However, the situation is expected to normalize, and international students with skills from reputable programs are likely to find opportunities.

What is the outlook for the job market for international students in the coming years?

While the job market is difficult right now, especially in tech, the situation is expected to improve by the time students graduating in 2026 or 2027 enter the job market. The U.S. economy is large and dynamic, so the job market will eventually recover.

How should students approach decisions about pursuing their studies in the U.S. given the current challenges in the job market?

Students should base their decisions on the quality of the university and the program they are applying to, rather than external factors like job market conditions. Students from top universities with solid skills are more likely to succeed in the job market.

What advice is given to students considering a master's program in the U.S.?

Students are advised to consider programs at reputable universities, such as Georgia Tech for computer science. Attending a mediocre university may limit job prospects, whereas top programs offer greater career opportunities and networking.

Is it a good idea to delay plans to study abroad due to concerns about the job market?

Delaying plans based on short-term job market concerns is not recommended. The job market fluctuates, and delaying plans might not lead to a significantly better situation. Students should focus on the long-term benefits of a quality education from a top university.