U.S. for Success Coalition Welcomes Broad Support for Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Optional Practical Training
Education and workforce leaders urge Congress to codify key program that benefits Americans
Washington, DC— March 19, 2026 — The U.S. for Success Coalition today announced strong support from leading education and workforce organizations for the Keep Innovators in America Act, federal bipartisan legislation to protect and codify the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which helps Americans to succeed.
OPT allows international students graduating from U.S. colleges and universities to gain temporary professional experience in fields related to their studies. Coalition members say the program plays a critical role in strengthening the U.S. workforce, supporting higher education opportunities for Americans, and maintaining America’s position as the world’s leading destination for international students.
Specifically, coalition leaders note that Optional Practical Training:
Helps make U.S. higher education more affordable for American students and families
Fills labor shortage gaps in high-demand fields with individuals educated at U.S. colleges and universities
International students contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and strengthen innovation across industries. Coalition members emphasized that protecting OPT is a practical step Congress can take to support economic growth, workforce development, and educational excellence.
Read a brief explainer on OPT
Read what coalition leaders are saying about why OPT matters and why bipartisan legislation is important.
About the U.S. for Success Coalition: The U.S. for Success Coalition is a national multi-sector coalition of more than 50 organizations dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen the United States as a leading destination for international students and global talent.
Media Contact:
U.S. for Success Coalition
info@usforsuccess.org
www.usforsuccess.org
