U.S. Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona has renewed his call to end the Optional Practical Training Program (OPT), a program that allows foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after graduation. In an editorial published by the Daily Signal, Gosar argued that OPT operates without Congressional approval and undermines American workers.
“For too long, Washington has allowed a massive, unauthorized foreign guest-worker pipeline to operate outside the law, undercut American students, and expose our nation to significant economic and national-security risks. It’s called Optional Practical Training, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement program created by bureaucratic fiat in 1992 and radically expanded by the Obama administration,” Gosar wrote.
Gosar has introduced HR 2315, known as the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act, which seeks to permanently end OPT. He contends that the program now serves as a substitute for the H-1B visa system and incentivizes employers to hire foreign workers due to exemptions from certain payroll taxes. “According to independent analyses, this loophole costs the Social Security and Medicare trust funds roughly $4 billion every year. Meanwhile, American STEM graduates—who worked hard, paid taxes, and played by the rules—are pushed to the back of the hiring line,” he stated.
He also cited concerns about national security: “A 2022 Government Accountability Office report warned that ICE has not evaluated OPT’s vulnerability to espionage or foreign interference.” Gosar called for Congress to act so future administrations cannot reinstate similar programs without explicit legislative authorization.
In addition to immigration issues related to employment programs, Gosar addressed public safety concerns in Arizona. He highlighted a recent case where a Liberian national was arrested for impersonating a doctor and sexually assaulting a minor at an elementary school. According to Gosar, this individual had previous convictions but was not deported under current federal policy. “That is why I recently introduced the Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act, legislation that reaffirms and strengthens the federal government’s authority to deport non-citizens who have been convicted of serious crimes,” he said.
Gosar also referenced testimony from intelligence officials regarding border security. National Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent told Congress that 18,000 individuals on FBI terrorism watch lists entered the country during President Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Kent noted that this number does not include others who may have entered illegally during this period.
Gosar advocates for stricter immigration controls and has introduced H.R. 6374, which proposes a ten-year moratorium on all immigration until border security is restored.
The newsletter included constituent correspondence about judicial conduct concerning Judge James Boasberg and support for impeachment proceedings against him due to alleged abuses of power related both to rulings on immigration enforcement and surveillance activities involving members of Congress.
Another letter focused on artificial intelligence policy. In response, Gosar expressed support for a unified federal framework over state-by-state regulation of AI development: “To win the AI race, we must prevent states from undermining national priorities.”
Gosar concluded by highlighting recent media coverage on these topics.
Paul Gosar was re-elected in 2024 after defeating Quacy Smith with approximately 65% of the vote. In 2022 he won against Richard Grayson with nearly 98% of votes cast.
