US Senator Chuck Grassley has called for a ban on work authorisations for foreign students, stating that it is in “direct violation of the law”. Grassley added that he has also written to the Department of Homeland Security to stop issuing work permits to those who are on a student visa.
“DHS needs to stop issuing work authorisations to student visa holders who compete against Americans,” the Senator wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He further argues that this is against Americans and poses espionage risks. “It’s in direct violation of the law & puts the USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage. I sent a letter to DHS Secretary Noem asking her to end work authorisations for foreign student visa holders.”
DHS needs 2 stop issuing work authorizations 2 student visa holders who compete against Americans It’s in direct violation of law &puts USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage I sent a letter 2 DHS Scty Noem asking her to end work authorizations 4 foreign student visa holders
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 23, 2025
Why does this matter?
The senior senator’s proposal could eliminate Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows foreign students to work in America during or after completing their degrees. OPT helps Indians find jobs on an H-1B visa and subsequently obtain green cards. The proposal follows US President Donald Trump’s $100K H-1B visa fee.
‘Please end OPT,’ say social media users
One social media user urged him to end OPT, stating that it puts their children at a disadvantage compared to foreign students. “Please end OPT. Our children are at a disadvantage compared to foreign students. Employers are not required to pay FICA taxes for them for five years; therefore, it’s cheaper for companies to hire foreign college grads over American grads. This has been devastating to our kids,” read the comment.
Another added, “Please, stop this practice today. There is no law demanding that DHS issue foreign students work permits. You can fix this and help the American worker out so significantly by ending this absurd, anti-American worker policy today. Please help the American worker; we are being screwed from so many different directions!”
“Better late than never, I guess. I just wonder why this is a priority for you now after it’s been going on for over 20 years,” read yet another comment.