The Prioritizing American Talent Act would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using any federal funds to process work authorization applications for foreign students unless Congress explicitly authorizes such employment through legislation. Currently, the department uses fees collected from visa applicants to cover the costs of adjudicating these applications, but this bill would eliminate that funding mechanism and redirect any unspent balances in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account that relate to foreign student work permits. The Secretary of Homeland Security would have 30 days after the bill becomes law to determine how much money should be rescinded from the account based on fees previously collected for these unauthorized employment authorizations. The legislation would effectively halt the issuance of work permits for foreign students pursuing F-1 and M-1 visas unless Congress passes separate legislation approving such employment. This bill affects international students studying in the United States and employers who rely on hiring them for positions like internships and practical training.
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