H.R.2315 - Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2315, the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025, proposes to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The bill aims to end employment authorization for foreign students (F-1 visa holders) after they cease full-time study, unless explicitly authorized by an Act of Congress.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2315 would prevent international students on F-1 visas from working in the United States under the OPT program after completing their studies. This would likely reduce the number of foreign graduates remaining in the US workforce. It could also impact industries that rely on OPT participants for talent.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially increases job opportunities for American graduates.
- May reduce competition in certain sectors, leading to higher wages for American workers.
- Could encourage more American students to pursue STEM fields.
- May address concerns about the program's impact on the wages and job security of American workers.
- Could lead to a more focused immigration policy that prioritizes permanent residency over temporary work visas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduces the talent pool available to U.S. employers, potentially hindering innovation and economic growth.
- May negatively impact universities that rely on international student enrollment.
- Could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, affecting international relations.
- Disrupts the career paths of international students who planned to gain work experience in the U.S.
- May force companies to relocate jobs and research outside of the US to countries with more accessible talent.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. The bill does not appear to directly infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or amendments. However, the potential economic impacts could be debated in relation to promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).