ITI Welcomes Ruling on Program Allowing Foreign-Born Graduates to Work in the U.S.
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI issued the following statement welcoming the decision in Washington Alliance of Technology Workers vs. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which upholds the STEM Optional practical training (OPT) program. ITI and other business groups previously intervened in case in support of DHS’ 2016 STEM OPT rule.
“Individuals from across the globe come to the United States for a world-class education, and go on to compelling careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Karolina Filipiak, Senior Director, Government Affairs for ITI. “The United States must ensure that those students who are educated in America, and want to stay in America, are able to do so rather than being sent home arbitrarily to compete against it. Our industry welcomes today’s decision, as it helps ensure that American-educated individuals are able to do so, and support U.S. technological leadership. Our industry looks forward to working with the U.S. Congress and the Biden Administration on advancing the vital STEM OPT program and reforming the overall U.S. immigration system so that it helps the United States stay competitive globally.”