April 30, 2008
WashTech News

http://washtech.org/news/labor/display. ... ntent=5234

DHS Invites Comment on Thorny OPT Issue
WashTech Correspondent

April 30, Seattle, WA

The Department of Homeland Security is inviting public comment about a controversial rule that allows employers to retain foreign students for a longer period of time in the country.

DHS had, earlier this month, formulated an "interim rule" allowing employers to hire foreign students holding F-1 visas for "Optional Practical Training" for 29 months as opposed to the hitherto 12 months. The rule, applicable to almost 20,000 new graduate students holding degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) annually (in addition to a fresh batch of 65,000 H1B visa holders, also arriving annually), poses a threat to American graduates finding gainful employment, as more people flood the job market, which is already under stress by a high unemployment rate nationwide.

The DHS rule change earned liberal brick bats from the public due to the backhanded way it was formulated. Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Worthen wrote, "Instead of releasing a draft and soliciting comments from the public" - the typical process for governmental rule changes - " DHS cited a clause in the Administrative Procedures Act, which is reserved for emergencies, to make the rule effective immediately".

To rectify the error, DHS is now inviting public comment on the issue. How do you perceive this rule change will effect you, your friends and family today, and in the future?

Make your opinion heard. Click here to Take Action!

Input the document ID, ICEB-2008-0002-0001 in the first search window to the left (it says search all documents). You should see a page titled: "Extending Period of Optional Practical Training by 17-Months for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students with STEM Degrees and Expanding Cap-Gap Relief for All F-1 Students with Pending H-1B Petitions". You can post your comment on this page.

Pls ensure that the language in your comments respects an office of the government, and makes your case in an effective, concise and dignified fashion. Pls make the subject line succinct and be aware that everything posted on DHS is placed in the public domain. Therefore, do not include information you do not want to be made public.

Your opinion matters. Get it heard before it is too late.