Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s new crackdown on fraud in the Optional Practical Training program is a welcome development. But even if DHS succeeds in rooting out fraud and abuse, it still will not solve the program’s far more fundamental problems. 

OPT allows F-1 visa holders to remain and work in the United States after graduation. Generally, participants can receive 12 months of work authorization, while graduates in certain STEM fields may stay and work for up to three years.