OPT Shake-Up: US Lawmakers Push for Strict Rules on Foreign Student Jobs

After the crackdown on immigrant visas, the Donald Trump government has shifted focus towards the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program that allows international F-1 students in the US to secure employment with American companies, during their academic pursuits or after their graduation. The US lawmakers are pushing for reforms to the OPT program that could result in its revocation or drastic reforms which would protect the interests of the American workers. The changes to be brought about would deter US companies from employing foreign students in the country.

The authorities are contemplating to implement the reforms in the rules following criticism from the American workforce. Americans slammed the officials for ignoring the interests of the local job seekers, and more inclined to favour the international labour and students.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggested a new OPT regulation to closely align the program’s goals and strategies with actual training. According to the newly proposed rule, American labour would be protected from displacement by foreign students, monitoring of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program would be increased and other rules would be revised to address fraud and national security concerns.

The US legislators have introduced the ‘Fairness for High-skilled Americans Act of 2025 which seeks to eliminate the OPT. There is criticism that the OPT program is adversely affecting American workers by permitting employers to recruit low-cost foreign labour. Some US lawmakers are proposing imposition of taxes on the earnings of international students taking part in the OPT program by revoking the existing exemption from FICA taxes. Some other experts suggested Congress assess visa categories like OPT for possible stricter regulation or removal. 

According the DHS’ new rule, the OPT program is likely to continue but with more stringent rules and strict monitoring of foreign students’ employment in US firms.