ICE Alleges Widespread Fraud in Major Foreign Student Work Program

WASHINGTON—Trump immigration officials on May 12 revealed findings from a nationwide investigation into a common work program for foreign students, outlining allegations of suspicious work sites, “phantom employees,” financial inconsistencies, and evidence of transnational fraud. Todd Lyons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s acting director, told reporters that investigators “have identified over 10,000 foreign students who claim to be working for highly suspect employers.” The probe by Homeland Security Investigations, which falls under ICE, focused on optional practical training, or OPT. OPT is a work program for foreigners on student visas that can extend for 12 or even 24 months after graduation. OPT participants frequently transition to the H-1B work visa program. As of 2024, the program had grown to over 400,000 participants....