ITI Welcomes SCOTUS Affirmation of Program Allowing Foreign-Born Graduates to Work in the U.S.
WASHINGTON – Global tech trade association ITI responded to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny review of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the case Washington Alliance of Technology Workers v. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which reaffirms DHS’ STEM Optional practical training (OPT) program.
“U.S. innovation and competitiveness thrive on a highly skilled workforce,” said Jason Oxman, ITI President and CEO. “Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms that foreign-born graduates of U.S. colleges and universities – especially those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – can contribute their entrepreneurial skills to growing the U.S. economy. We urge the U.S. Congress and Biden Administration to build on today’s momentum and work with industry to advance a modern, competitive immigration system.”
The STEM OPT program allows eligible foreign-born graduates who receive a STEM degree from a U.S. higher education institution to stay and work in the U.S for an additional 24 months. ITI previously welcomed a January 2021 decision in this case to uphold the program and filed supporting briefs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in June 2021 and to the Supreme Court in August 2021.
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