Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Defund Optional Practical Training Program, Prioritize American Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Prioritizing American Talent Act, which would permanently prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from funding the Optional Practical Training Program (OPT). The OPT Program currently allows foreign students, including more than 33,000 from Communist China to remain in the United States after graduating from American universities and work in American jobs.

Senator Scott's Prioritizing American Talent Act will prioritize American students entering the workforce over foreign labor while directing all resulting savings to the U.S. Treasury to help offset federal spending.

Senator Rick Scott said, "We need to make more jobs available for hardworking Americans, not foreign workers - including thousands from Communist China - who come over to exploit the system. That's I'm proud to introduce the bill to end the Optional Practical Training Program, which has allowed employers to import foreign labor under the guise of job training, removing opportunities for American workers to get good jobs. We need to make sure that Americans who work hard and play by the rules still have the chance to live their American dream."

BACKGROUND:

The OPT program is not authorized by federal law. Employers even receive a tax break for hiring foreign graduates under the program, giving foreigners an advantage over U.S. citizens.

Meanwhile, American graduates struggle to find employment in industries that those OPT permits holders take up.

By defunding the OPT program, more jobs will be available for American workers to help them achieve their American Dream. It also closes the door on threats posed by foreign adversaries working in American industries with access to innovative technology and sensitive data.

In April 2026, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to President Trump thanking him for taking decisive action to stop the abuse of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit program by foreign nationals.

SCOOP: Rick Scott Moves to Terminate DHS Program That Incentivizes Hiring Foreign Grads

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