Thousands of F1 international students have been impacted by the EAD card (work authorization) production delay despite receiving OPT approval weeks ago. You can only start work when you have the physical card in hand, approval notices alone are not enough. Many have to push their start dates (some have already pushed it more than 3 times), many companies are rescinding their offers and will likely not hire international students again as they are a liability.

United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) have been silent on the matter, despite thousands of F1 students reaching out and asking for relief. Even a simple official statement will help many in negotiations of a new starting date with their companies.

We demand:

1) immediate response from USCIS regarding the nature of the EAD card production issues and when they will be resolved,

2) an official statement about the production issues, and

3) for USCIS to allow temporary standalone approval to be enough to start work and re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad.

International students are one of the most vulnerable groups in the country and are in dire need of help!