Congressman Calls for Termination of Foreign Student Work Programs to Safeguard American Employment
In a bold move to address job market challenges, GOP Congressman Riley M. Moore has formally requested new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM-OPT extension, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs. His aim is to preserve employment opportunities for American graduates amid ongoing controversies surrounding the H-1B visa system.
Allegations of Exploitation and Regulatory Manipulation
Congressman Moore is not the first to raise such concerns, but he has provided a detailed account of how these programs, originally designed for practical training, have allegedly been subverted. He argues that they now serve as a backdoor pipeline for cheap foreign labor, undermining Congressional intent.
"At a time when new graduates are entering one of the most challenging job markets in recent history, it is troubling that corporations and universities continue to exploit non-immigrant worker programs that replace American workers with foreign labor," Moore stated in his letter.
He further accused Big Tech lobbyists of collaborating with previous administrations to covertly transform these programs. "For years, Big Tech lobbyists have quietly worked with previous administrations to turn 'practical training' programs into backdoor pipelines for cheap foreign labor. They even urged the DHS to rewrite OPT regulations in secret to avoid H-1B caps Congress deliberately imposed," he wrote.
Moore described this as a "regulatory sleight-of-hand" that mocks Congressional intent and benefits corporations by providing a limitless supply of underpaid, tax-advantaged workers.
Understanding OPT, STEM-OPT, and CPT Programs
To clarify the issue, here is a breakdown of the programs in question:
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): A temporary work authorization for F-1 students in the U.S., allowing them to work in jobs related to their field of study for hands-on experience. It is valid for 12 months.
- STEM-OPT Extension: An additional 24-month extension available to students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, extending their total OPT period.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Work authorization integrated into an academic program, approved by universities, and typically used during the course of study, unlike OPT which is post-graduation.
Moore contends that these programs, initially intended for brief training, have become a bridge from temporary student visas to long-term H-1B status, disadvantaging American workers.
Historical Evolution and Impact on American Jobs
Moore traced the evolution of these programs, noting that since 1947, government initiatives provided foreign students with short internship-like experiences. However, in 1992, the Bush administration transformed them into the modern OPT, allowing foreigners to work in the U.S. for a full year.
He highlighted a key turning point in 2007, when the H-1B visa cap limited access to foreign labor for companies like Microsoft. "At a dinner party in 2007, a Microsoft lobbyist proposed to DHS Secretary Chertoff that the H-1B problem could be circumvented by extending OPT's duration. It worked," Moore explained.
The 2008 Chertoff rule extended STEM OPT by 17 months without public notice or Congressional approval. Later, the Obama administration further extended OPT, allowing foreigners to remain in the U.S. for up to 36 months post-graduation. Moore estimates that nearly 450,000 foreigners currently hold jobs that he believes should belong to Americans.
"Big Tech loves this arrangement. Foreigners accept lower wages. They can’t job-hop or demand a promotion. And almost every single one of them is exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, saving billions," he added, emphasizing the economic implications.
This call to action underscores growing tensions over immigration policies and their impact on the domestic job market, with Moore advocating for a return to programs that prioritize American graduates.
