Bill Would Codify into Law Optional Practical Training Program Supporting U.S.-Trained Talent
WERC Vice President of Public Policy and Research Michael T. Jackson issued the following statement today in support of the “Keep Innovators in America Act” (KIAA), a bill that would update the Immigration and Nationality Act to formally codify the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students graduating from a U.S. post-secondary academic institution:
“WERC commends Representatives Liccardo, Obernolte, and Krishnamoorthi for introducing the bipartisan Keep Innovators in America Act and urge Congress to take up and pass this bill. For over 30 years, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program has enabled the professional career starts for international students graduating from American colleges, universities, and academic institutions by providing them a mechanism for building upon their educational experience via hands-on practical training in their field of study. This ability has enriched the value proposition for students studying at U.S. institutions and allowed employers to fully access the spectrum of top talent within America’s colleges and universities, regardless of where their passport is from.
Even though OPT is temporary in duration, the benefits for U.S. employers extends well beyond the end of the program. This program has enabled international student graduates to learn how to work as part of an American company and how to collaborate and innovate alongside their U.S. counterparts. In turn, this experience enables U.S. multinational employers to cultivate a global talent pipeline of U.S.-experienced talent around the world that can be engaged long after the graduate has completed their OPT and departed the United States.
At a time when America is competing with countries around the world to attract the same top talent that America’s colleges and universities attract, maintaining the OPT program and its benefits to American academic institutions and employers is imperative for protecting U.S. economic competitiveness and innovation.