New ICE unit to review OPT program impact on U.S. workers.
January 18, 2021
USCIS will establish a new unit to report on the status of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for foreign students to investigate claims of misuse against participants and employers.
Wednesday’s announcement by the agency said that the new office was developed based on discussions between DHS and the Department of Labor, and would help ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program better regulate OPT. The program allows foreign students enrolled at approved universities and vocational programs to stay in the U.S. and seek work for one year after they graduate.