Florida Senator Rick Scott has introduced a bill to end optional practical training for F-1 students.
Sen. Rick Scott of Florida has introduced a bill, titled the Prioritizing America’s Talent Act, to end the Optional Work Training Program that serves as a path to an H-1B visa. Scott said Americans should have the first right to American dreams, and he is proud to introduce the bill against the occupied Palestinian territory that allows employers to hire foreigners under the guise of job training.
Scott’s proposal would prohibit the use of Department of Homeland Security funding to operate this program. Employers receive a tax break for hiring graduates under this program, making it a double loss for the United States, according to the proposal. The government funds the program that prevents Americans from being employed.“We need to create more job opportunities for hard-working Americans, not foreign workers — including thousands from Communist China — who come to exploit the system,” Scott said.
“I am proud to introduce the bill to end the Optional Work Training program, which allowed employers to import foreign workers under the guise of job training, removing opportunities for American workers to get good jobs. We need to make sure that Americans who work hard and play by the rules still have the opportunity to live their American dream.
“Scott told the Daily Signal that people are shocked when he talks to them about the occupied Palestinian territory.
“We need to make sure that Americans who work hard and play by the rules still have the opportunity to live their American dream,” Scott said.
What is the choice ?
Optional Practical Training is a temporary work permit that allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience aligned with their field of study. STEM students can get an extension in the OPT, and eventually, many of these interns are hired by the company and the company submits an H-1B petition for them.
The Occupied Palestinian Territories are seen as a pipeline for H-1Bs and American graduates do not have a chance here.“The OPT program is not authorized under federal law. Employers even receive a tax break for hiring foreign graduates under the program, giving foreigners an advantage over American citizens. Meanwhile, American graduates struggle to find work in industries occupied by OPT permit holders,” the senator said in his statement.“By defunding the OPT program, more jobs will be created for American workers to help them achieve their American dream.
It also closes the door to threats posed by foreign adversaries operating in U.S. industries with access to innovative technology and sensitive data.
Four-year rule for F-1 students
A new Department of Homeland Security rule makes the F-1 visa valid for four years. After four years, students will have to seek an extension and undergo biometrics etc. for the process. Although DHS is not considering defunding the Optional Practical Training program, this four-year rule would disrupt Optional Practical Training programs for F-1 students. Currently, F-1 students can remain in the United States as long as they maintain their student status and adhere to the visa conditions.
