(ECNS) -- Chinese students in the United States have launched an online campaign to demand the withdrawal of a plan that would cancel Optional Practice Training (OPT), a valuable working opportunity for international graduates, according to a federal court ruling.
According to the U.S. Immigration Office, OPT allows international students from the majors of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to extend their in-country time limit to intern in the US. However, a federal court has recently ruled against the practice, which is due to expire on February 12, 2016.
The news has led to significant concern among Chinese students, who make up a considerable number of international STEM students in the U.S.. Student organizations say the U.S. government gives the wrong signal by tightening up immigration policies. Chinese students have also collectively signed a petition on the White House website in support of OPT.
First introduced by the Immigration Office in 2008, OPT basically allows international STEM students 12 months for internships. In addition, another 17 months can be further added to take it to a 29-month maximum.
Considering the consistent shortage of H1B visas in the U.S., OPT offers valuable room and flexibility for international students to job-hunt or develop entrepreneurial projects, benefiting tens of thousands every year.
