RT Theo Wold (@RealTheoWold)Lost in the conversation about H-1B visas is an arguably more sinister program that President Trump could end by executive order: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.OPT gives work authorization to foreign students on F-1 visas that allows them to work entry level jobs in the U.S. for 1-3 years after they graduate. Like the H-1B visa, most of its recipients come from India and China, and work in STEM fields.Even more insane is that OPT recipients are exempt from payroll ...

Core Insights - U.S. business schools are increasingly reliant on Indian students, who represent a significant portion of the international student body, particularly in MBA programs [1][2][3] Group 1: Dependency on Indian Students - Indian nationals accounted for 73% of new H-1B visas in 2023, highlighting their dominance in the U.S. immigration system [2] - In the 2024 intake (MBA Class of 2026), Indian students made up at least 25% of the class in several top-50 business schools, significantly outnumbering students from other countries, particularly China [2][4] - The average share of Indian students across 46 of the top 50 U.S. business schools was 33.9% of all international students, compared to 17.2% for Chinese students [5] Group 2: Impact of H-1B Visa Changes - Proposed changes to the H-1B visa process include a wage-based selection system and a $100,000 fee for new applications, which could disrupt the flow of Indian talent into U.S. MBA programs [2][6] - The new wage-weighted selection process would favor higher-paying job offers, potentially altering how international MBA students approach their education and career paths in the U.S. [6][7] Group 3: Contributions of Indian Students - Indian students are not only filling seats but also contribute significantly to classroom discussions, cultural diversity, and the financial sustainability of business programs, which charge over $100,000 annually [3] - Many Indian students pursue STEM-designated MBA tracks, which provide a longer Optional Practical Training (OPT) window, seen as a crucial pathway to obtaining an H-1B visa and securing long-term employment in the U.S. [3]