ICE Uncovers Alleged OPT Visa Misuse Involving Approximately 10,000 Foreign Students

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has identified about 10,000 foreign students suspected of abusing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Tuesday press conference cited alleged espionage, intellectual-property theft, employment fraud and scams targeting elderly Americans. Investigators say many listed employment with companies that appear fictitious or inactive.

ICE flags 10,000 foreign students over suspected OPT visa fraudU.S. Cracks OPT Scam: Indians Must Be Scared?

OPT permits international students on academic visas to work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation; science and technology graduates may receive a 24-month extension. The program also serves as a pathway to employer-sponsored H-1B visas. ICE has called it a “growing source of fraud,” prompting Department of Homeland Security investigations.

ICE flags 10,000 foreign students over suspected OPT visa fraud

Approximately 10,000 foreign students are under investigation. Alleged offenses include espionage, intellectual-property theft, employment fraud and scams targeting elderly Americans. Investigators found empty offices, locked business sites and residential homes listed as job locations with no active operations. Several firms shared the same addresses, used offshore HR contacts and were linked to tax liens, civil lawsuits and breach-of-contract claims.

U.S. Cracks OPT Scam: Indians Must Be Scared?

Todd Lyons described the OPT program as increasingly vulnerable to fraud and said federal authorities have identified multiple serious violations, including espionage, intellectual-property theft, employment fraud and scams targeting elderly Americans. ICE indicated the probe will continue and that violations could trigger enforcement actions against students and employers.

ICE flags 10,000 foreign students over suspected OPT visa fraud

The second source claims the investigation “has been going, hard against Indian immigration population,” implying a disproportionate impact on Indian students. Observers warn that scrutiny may limit their employment opportunities and advise verification of employer legitimacy.

U.S. Cracks OPT Scam: Indians Must Be Scared?

The first source notes “several from India” without giving a share, while the second source says the OPT scheme was “largely utilised by the Indian community students.” The proportion of Indian participants among the 10,000 remains unclear, and no details on pending legal outcomes are provided.

U.S. Cracks OPT Scam: Indians Must Be Scared?

• “These included claims of espionage, intellectual property theft, employment fraud and scams targeting elderly Americans.” — Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director

ICE flags 10,000 foreign students over suspected OPT visa fraud

• “Officials also reported multiple companies using the same addresses without leases, offshore HR contacts, and businesses tied to tax liens, civil lawsuits, and breach-of-contract claims as the investigation continues.” — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials

U.S. Cracks OPT Scam: Indians Must Be Scared?

ICE indicated the probe will continue and warned that significant consequences could follow. Authorities have urged Indian students to stay vigilant and verify employer legitimacy.

U.S. Cracks OPT Scam: Indians Must Be Scared?