Descrição
In our very first episode of NumbersUSA Live, we were joined by Congressman Paul Gosar to talk about his new bill (H.R. 2315), which would end the controversial OPT program. We also discuss other immigration issues, and the border crisis more generally.
The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program gives a discount to employers who do NOT hire Americans. Congress never voted to created the OPT program; the Executive Branch created it on their own after speaking with industry lobbyists at a dinner party.
OPT has grown more than 400% in recent years and is bigger than the H-1B program, which OPT was created to circumvent.
Employers don't have to pay payroll taxes on OPT employees. The FICA fund loses out on $2.5 billion each year due to this.
OPT visas are not merit-based and have no wage protections for the foreign worker.
Fewer than 50% of U.S. STEM graduates are finding jobs in STEM fields, while 53% of OPT workers are in STEM fields.
The OPT program is harming American STEM grads by giving companies a financial incentive to hire temporary foreign workers, even though the government is actively encouraging American students to study for STEM degrees.
Please send a message to your U.S. Representative and urge him/her to cosponsor H.R. 2315, the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act.
Take Action Here:
https://www.numbersusa.com/message-action/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f124158%2fRespond