Article Summary

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow defended a new policy scrutinizing 'anti-American' views, clarifying it targets support for terrorism, not political beliefs. Edlow also expressed intentions to reform international student work programs (OPT) and citizenship tests, citing concerns about unfair competition and constitutional understanding. Additionally, he voiced worries about H1-B visas potentially displacing American workers.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This news is crucial for skilled professionals and employers as it outlines potential shifts in USCIS policy under the current administration, affecting visa adjudication, international student employment pathways (OPT), and the H1-B program itself. The 'anti-American' views policy represents a broadened scope of scrutiny, potentially impacting a wider range of applicants beyond traditional security concerns.

For international students, proposed 'parameters' on OPT could significantly reduce post-graduation work opportunities, disrupting a common pathway to skilled visas like H1-B. For employers, the expressed concern about H1-B visas displacing American workers signals a potentially more restrictive adjudication environment and increased scrutiny of petitions. These policy shifts could face legal challenges and warrant close monitoring by all stakeholders.