The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a vital pathway for international students to gain U.S. work experience, is facing unprecedented threats as the Trump administration pushes for its elimination. In 2024, nearly 200,000 students benefited from OPT, with an additional 95,000 utilizing its STEM extension.
Key policymakers argue that OPT undermines opportunities for American workers. Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies has urged Congress to eliminate programs like OPT, while Joseph Edlow—poised to lead U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—has stated that post-study work authorization for F-1 students violates the spirit of U.S. immigration law.
The administration’s proposals extend beyond termination. Lawmakers are seeking to remove OPT’s payroll tax exemption, subjecting students and employers to combined FICA deductions of 15.3%. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also intensified compliance checks, warning that students with over 90 days of unemployment may face deportation. Fraudulent payroll records used to misrepresent OPT employment are under strict federal scrutiny.
These measures signal a major shift in U.S. immigration policy and workforce strategy. For thousands of international students who rely on OPT to begin their careers, the program’s future remains highly uncertain.
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