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Americans First OPT Reform Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:01 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4843
One of the key provisions of the bill is to prioritize American workers by limiting the number of OPT visas that can be issued each year. This is intended to ensure that job opportunities are first and foremost available to American citizens and permanent residents.
Additionally, the bill seeks to increase oversight and accountability in the OPT program by requiring employers to report on the number of OPT workers they hire and the wages they are paid. This is aimed at preventing abuse of the program and ensuring that international students are not exploited for cheap labor. Overall, the Americans First OPT Reform Act of 2023 is focused on protecting the interests of American workers while still allowing international students to gain valuable work experience in the US. It is currently being debated in Congress and may undergo changes before being voted on.
Congressional Summary of HR 4843
Americans First OPT Reform Act of 2023
This bill imposes limits on the Optional Practical Training Program. (The program provides an eligible F-1 student visa holder temporary employment authorization before or after completion of the student's studies, or both.)
Under this bill, a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) may only participate in the program for four months with no extensions available. (Current rules generally allow an eligible individual to participate for up to one year with full-time employment; current rules also allow individuals with certain degrees to obtain a 24-month extension.)
The bill also bars certain individuals from participating in the program, specifically an individual (1) with a degree or working in a sensitive field, or (2) who is employed by or otherwise affiliated with an entity owned or controlled by the Communist Party of China.
