Eric Schmitt has triggered a fresh political flashpoint over the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, using a series of posts on X to argue that the system is being widely misused and is hurting American workers.
The Missouri senator said he had obtained new data from immigration authorities, claiming that thousands of OPT visa holders are currently working in his state. In one of his posts, he wrote, “Update in my fight to dismantle the broken OPT system—ICE just got me the numbers:
In Missouri alone there are 4,430 OPT visas—many working in jobs that are out-of-scope, stealing opportunities from young Missourians.
Here are some of the worst examples“
OPT allows international students in the US to work temporarily in roles related to their field of study, with STEM graduates eligible for up to three years of work authorization. But Schmitt argued that the system is not functioning as intended. He pointed out that “OPT jobs *must* be directly related to the student’s major area of study.
And if you’re a STEM major, you get *3-years of work authorization.*
Not only that, OPT holders are exempt from FICA taxes—a >15% tax subsidy for employers.”
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According to him, these provisions create incentives for employers to hire OPT workers over American graduates, while also making it easier for the system to be abused. He wrote, “Given that, and considering foreigners utilizing OPT may be desperate for work, it should come as no surprise OPT is often abused.
I found cases of foreign students working at restaurants, bars, and janitorial services that likely have no connection to a student’s area of study.”
The senator backed his claims with examples that he said highlight how the program is being stretched beyond its original purpose. In one instance, he questioned why a restaurant would hire a STEM graduate under OPT. “Apparently necessary, degree-related, high skill employers include:
* A local Ethiopian restaurant, which filed for a STEM OPT employee last year (three-years long).
It’s a highly reviewed restaurant but why does it need a recent grad STEM major? And why not hire American?”
He also cited another case involving a janitorial services company, writing, “Another OPT employee works for a small janitorial services company. That doesn’t seem like a natural fit.
OPT often undercuts White Collar work, but it’s also undercutting Blue Collar workers by flooding the market with recent grads looking for any form of employment.”
Beyond individual cases, Schmitt alleged that a broader ecosystem has developed around the OPT program. He wrote, “Not only that, but a cadre of shady consultants and woke NGOs are cashing in on OPT, teaching foreign students how to game the system.
And some are even using foreign student labor in-house to coach the importation of more foreign students and workers.”
He also referenced an organization, saying, “For example, Vitendo4Africa filed for an OPT and runs programs that:
* Offer classes on green card applications, refugee resettlement and US elections.
* Help employers to solicit newly arrived refugees.”
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Schmitt ended his thread with a strong call for policy action, framing the issue as one affecting American jobs and families. “Bottom line: OPT is not a student training program. It’s a backdoor jobs program for foreign nationals at the expense of Missouri families and American grads who are still struggling to find work.
USCIS, it’s time to shut this down. Missourians first. Americans first.”
His remarks come at a time when immigration and foreign worker programs are already under intense political scrutiny in the US, especially as debates over jobs, wages, and the role of international talent continue to grow louder.