The U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, vital for international students seeking work authorization, faces challenges. Critics like Vaughan and Edlow argue OPT lacks congressional approval and facilitates exploitation, advocating for its termination or severe restriction. This move threatens the pipeline of global talent, particularly impacting Indian students and potentially reshaping America’s dominance in tech and innovation. Post navigation AIIMS Patna: Odisha student found dead in hostel room; probe underway Google’s ex-CEO Eric Schmidt says America is ill-equipped to address AI’s ‘biggest challenge’