Summary

Stops the federal government from giving F‑1 international students work authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or any future version of it unless Congress passes a law that explicitly allows it. Current regulatory authority at the Department of Homeland Security would no longer be enough. This would effectively end new OPT work permissions unless and until Congress enacts a statute. The text does not address how existing OPT approvals are treated, and it does not change other F‑1 rules such as on‑campus work or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Key Points

• Requires an explicit Act of Congress to authorize OPT or any successor program for F‑1 students.
• Blocks DHS from granting OPT work permits based only on regulations or policy.
• Covers both standard OPT and STEM OPT extensions as part of OPT.
• Does not mention on‑campus work or CPT, which are separate from OPT.
• Leaves unclear how existing OPT approvals would be treated.
• No spending, tax, or new enforcement mechanisms are included.
• Shifts control of post‑study work authorization from the executive branch to Congress.
• Effective date not specified in the provided text.

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