F-1 student options potentially at risk with the appointment of Joseph Edlow as the new USCIS director.
In a significant shift for international students and employers, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is facing potential termination or rule changes under the leadership of the newly confirmed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow.
Known for his enforcement-focused approach to immigration, Edlow has expressed his intention to end the OPT program, which currently allows international students to obtain a work permit for up to one year after graduation. His background in roles at USCIS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has emphasised enforcement over service, leading many to anticipate a crackdown on visa fraud and tighter controls across immigration benefits, including the H-1B program.
The changes expected under Edlow's leadership could include:
- Termination or severe restriction of the OPT program, potentially removing or limiting work authorization benefits for international students. - Increased scrutiny and Requests for Evidence (RFEs) related not only to H-1B filings but also to OPT applications. - A shift in USCIS priorities that emphasise enforcement and fraud detection over processing immigration benefits.
These developments suggest that international students and their employers should prepare for a landscape with more stringent requirements, potential loss of post-graduation work privileges, and an overall tougher immigration environment during Edlow's tenure.
While no official detailed policy changes have been publicly released yet, Edlow has stated his support for prohibiting F-1 students from engaging in OPT employment after completing their academic program. He has also expressed his commitment to supporting a review of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) by ICE and DHS.
The OPT program, which allows foreign students to gain work experience in the US, may face termination or changes in rules. However, it is essential to note that the specifics of these changes are yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, in other immigration news, the New Zealand government has announced changes in immigration rules for international students. Unscrupulous institutions are believed to be abusing CPT by creating Day-1 CPT schools, which build a curriculum around employment to justify CPT eligibility.
As the situation evolves, international students and their employers are encouraged to stay informed and seek professional advice to navigate the potential challenges ahead.
- The proposed changes under Joseph Edlow's leadership at USCIS may lead to the termination or strict limitations of the OPT program, causing a potential loss of work authorization benefits for international students.
- In the realm of Defi (decentralized finance), regulatory discussions are ongoing to ensure a secure and fair environment for its users, as the market continues to expand globally with increasing participation from various economic sectors.
- In the political arena, education and self-development are gaining attention as key factors in improving economic growth, with calls for more investment in these areas to foster a skilled workforce that can compete in today's general news-dominated world.
