&gt; Isn&#x27;t one of the drivers of this something to do with it being a path to work in the US after they (non-resident) get a degree?<p>This applies to undergraduate degrees, too.  Therefore the argument that restricts it to Ph.D degrees is moot.<p>Furthermore, the &#x27;path to work&#x27; is temporary.  You still need a a work visa to work once your OPT has expired.