U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has urged the Department of Homeland Security to end the issuance of work permits for students with F-1 visas who he believes are competing against American workers. He claims that such authorizations may violate existing law and pose national security risks.
His proposal, posted on social media and sent in a formal letter, targets programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. If enforced, the change would shut off a pathway many Indian students rely on to move into professional roles and potentially transition to longer-term visas.
Grassley’s remarks come amid heated debates over a recent $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visa applications. Critics argue that combining steep visa fees with tighter work restrictions could discourage skilled international talent from pursuing education or careers in the U.S., particularly affecting Indian students who represent a large share of the international student body.
