Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act

Full Title:
Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill would change the Immigration and Nationality Act to stop allowing Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization for students on F-1 visas unless Congress passes a separate law that expressly allows such a program. The change is made by adding a new paragraph to section 274A(h) (8 U.S.C. 1324a). The bill was introduced on March 25, 2025, and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

What it means for you#

  • For F-1 students: The bill would remove the ability to receive OPT work authorization unless Congress later creates or authorizes a program that allows it.
  • For employers: Employers could not hire F-1 students under OPT unless Congress passes a law that specifically permits OPT or a successor program.
  • For others: No publicly available information on other direct effects is in the bill text or metadata.

Expenses#

No publicly available information. The bill text and accompanying metadata do not include cost estimates or budget details.

Proponents' View#

The bill's title, "Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025," and its sponsors show the intent to eliminate OPT. Sponsors introduced the measure to remove automatic OPT authorization and require an express act of Congress to allow any similar program.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information. The bill text and metadata do not include statements from opponents or analyses of likely objections.