A fight brews over U.S. worker protections
The U.S. worker protections in a federal rule allowing STEM grads to work on a student visa for up to three years is stirring controversy. Broadly, businesses want fewer restrictions as labor advocates seek more.
The government, as part of its proposed Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) students, wants employers to attest -- in a sworn statement -- that they "will not terminate, lay off, or furlough any full or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. workers" as the result of hiring an OPT worker.
The proposal includes restrictions about how the program is managed and monitored, and whether students on OPT can be employed by staffing agencies.
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