Theodp writes "PC World reports that DHS has extended the time foreign graduates of US colleges can stay in the country and work to almost two-and-a-half years, an 'emergency' change that drew kudos from Microsoft and other H-1B visa stakeholders. Looks like when Bill Gates says 'Jump,' the sovereignty asks 'How high?' Bill Gates's Congressional Testimony, March 12, 2008: 'Extending OPT from 12 to 29 months would help to alleviate the crisis employers are facing due to the current H-1B visa shortage. This only requires action by the Executive Branch, and government and this investigators should strongly urge the staff of Homeland Security to take such action immediately.' DHS Press Release, April 4, 2008: 'The US branch of Homeland Security released today an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical drill (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for accomplished F-1 non-immigrant students.'"

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Mark