Amid controversy over a one-time $100,000 H-1B filing fee for new applicants, Republican Senator Chuck Grassleyhas asked the Department of Homeland Security to cease work authorizations for student-visa holders. On X, he argued the practice violates US law, harms domestic workers, and increases risks of “tech and corporate espionage,” noting he has written to DHS Secretary Noem to demand action.
A clampdown would most likely hit OPT (Optional Practical Training), which offers 12–36 months of post-graduation employment and supplies entry-level talent to US companies. Universities and employers—especially in STEM fields—have long relied on OPT to fill internships, research roles, and junior positions. Any rollback could disrupt hiring cycles, raise onboarding costs, and push firms to expand offshore teams or relocate projects.
The stakes are high for India, now the largest source of international students in the US with 331,000+ enrolled last year. For many, OPT is the primary channel to gain US work experience before pursuing long-term visas. Grassley’s proposal, paired with higher H-1B costs, signals a tightening stance that could redirect skilled graduates—and investment—away from the US.
Also Read: Indian Professionals Confused Over Trump’s H-1B Fee Hike Scope
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