STEM OPT Program Also Helps U.S. Domestic Workers, New Study Finds

Donald Trump did not suspend the Optional Practical Training program this month when he finally signed a long-awaited executive order restricting international work visas, including the H-1B visa that is the goal of thousands of newly minted MBAs every year. He still might, if the right-wing rumor mill is accurate. But a new study co-authored by a Lehigh University College of Business professor finds that if Trump does restrict or suspend OPT, the move won’t achieve his stated desire of boosting domestic U.S. workers, because high-skilled immigration actually helps U.S. workers, and therefore the U.S. economy.