Hear from our Coalition’s Leaders
Leaders share why OPT Matters and why bipartisan legislation is important
“The 50+ organizations represented in the U.S. for Success Coalition have a clear, on-the-ground understanding of the enormous value international students bring to Americans. Congress now has an opportunity to provide clarity and stability by codifying OPT and ensuring the United States remains the world’s leading destination for global talent.” - Jill Welch, Executive Director of the U.S. for Success Coalition
“International students are essential members of our campuses and our communities,” said Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. “Students and institutions benefit from transparent and consistent policies. This legislation would help align international students’ needs, education, and workforce objectives in a way that supports compliance, student success, and the United States of America.”
“Ensuring that international students who study at U.S. universities are able to stay and work after they graduate is not just common sense, it is essential to our country’s long term economic strength and global competitiveness. Optional Practical Training is a vital part of that strategy, providing a bridge from classroom learning to the skilled workforce. We strongly support Congressman Liccardo’s bill to codify the program and provide certainty for students, universities, and employers and protect a proven legal immigration pathway that benefits all Americans.” stated Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us.
“The Optional Practical Training program is a cornerstone of the international student experience in the United States,” said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. “Codifying OPT will provide certainty for students, institutions, and employers while reinforcing America’s position as a global leader in education and innovation.”
“The US is one of the clearest examples of the enormous talent benefit of international students, these are now not only powering many Fortune 500 companies, also they are the founding force behind a disproportionate share of startups, unicorns and AI companies.” said Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals. “The first job after college needs to remain accessible for the world's top talent to keep choosing the US for their future. This will not only shape the economy, society, and competitiveness, but potentially the world order. Our data already shows that global talent specializing in Artificial Intelligence at the graduate level or higher has started to prefer China (+33% growth) over the USA with 43% decline since January 2025” said van Rest.
“International students and their participation in Optional Practical Training are a critical part of the U.S. talent pipeline through higher education, benefitting American research, industry, innovation, and employers and communities in every state. The availability of these pre-and post-graduation opportunities to apply their learning, skills, and talents in the workplace is also a major factor ensuring that the U.S. remains the premier destination of choice for international students from around the world.” said Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. “Congress should act to protect this vital program.”
“The United States benefits enormously from the talent and perspectives international students bring,” said William L Gertz, Chairman of AIFS. “Protecting OPT through legislation ensures that our immigration policies continue to support learning, research, and economic growth.”
“The global competitiveness of U.S. higher education depends on clear and welcoming policies,” said Clay Harmon, CEO of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management. “Legislative protection for OPT sends a powerful message that the United States values international students.”
“International exchange programs are central to people-to-people diplomacy and workforce development,” said Mark Overmann, Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange. “Protecting OPT strengthens those connections and supports long-term economic and cultural ties.”
“Graduate education and research thrive when global talent can contribute fully to the U.S. academic ecosystem,” said Chevelle Newsome, President of the Council of Graduate Schools. “Codifying OPT would strengthen our research enterprise and support the next generation of innovation.”
“English language programs are often the first step for international students pursuing U.S. degrees,” said Cheryl Delk-Le Good, CEO of EnglishUSA. These programs equip students with the language and academic skills needed to succeed. Protecting OPT helps sustain the full international education pathway that benefits U.S. institutions, communities, and employers.”
“International students are vital contributors to regional economies and innovation hubs,” said Steve Tobocman, CEO of Global Detroit. “Codifying OPT supports talent development and strengthens local communities across the country.”
“English language programs serve as an important gateway to U.S. education,” said Danielle Staudt, CEO of TESOL International Association. “Policies that strengthen international student pathways ultimately strengthen our educational system.”
“International students are a cornerstone of America’s innovation pipeline and a powerful driver of local economies. They bring cutting-edge knowledge from U.S. classrooms into our workplaces, startups, hospitals, and research institutions. Programs like Optional Practical Training allow employers to retain talent educated in the United States at a time of persistent workforce shortages, while strengthening communities across the country. International students contribute more than $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support hundreds of thousands of American jobs. By coming together across party lines, lawmakers are recognizing a simple truth: welcoming global talent is a practical investment in American innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. We commend this bipartisan leadership and urge Congress to continue advancing policies that ensure the United States remains the world’s top destination for talent, ideas, and opportunity,” said Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
About 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.
