Immigration paths for many foreign nationals are being methodically deterred by the current administration in Washington, but citizens from India seem to have a multitude of barriers to continue living and working in the United States after completing their college education.

By way of background, foreigners wanting to pursue an education in the United States are issued F-1 visas. Upon completion of studies, the F-1 student has limited options to pursue employment in the United States. One of the most popular options available to a student on an F-1 visa, especially for those studying and working in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) is to use OPT (optional practical training) for temporary employment after graduating. This gives a student one year (up to three with extensions available to those in a STEM field) to work in the United States on a temporary basis.