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Rep. Grothman Proposes Tax on 10,000 Phantom OPT Workers

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Federal investigators uncovered more than 10,000 phantom Optional Practical Training (OPT) employees, prompting Republicans to target the tax exemption.
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) introduced the OPT Fair Tax Act to require payroll taxes for foreign OPT workers.
ICE Director Todd Lyons said the exemption creates a financial incentive for employers to hire foreign students over Americans.

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Story summary

Federal investigators uncovered more than 10,000 phantom Optional Practical Training (OPT) employees, prompting Republicans to target the tax exemption.
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) introduced the OPT Fair Tax Act to require payroll taxes for foreign OPT workers.
ICE Director Todd Lyons said the exemption creates a financial incentive for employers to hire foreign students over Americans.