Real Talk with Riggin
Real Talk with Riggin
KZIM KSIM
Reduce fraud and preserve American jobs by eliminating one key program with VP of Legal Affairs at Landmark Legal Mike O'Neill
14 minutes Posted Jun 9, 2026 at 2:04 pm.
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A growing debate in Washington centers on whether eliminating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program would help reduce fraud and protect American workers. Mike O’Neill, Vice President of Legal Affairs at Landmark Legal Foundation, argues that the program allows foreign graduates to work in the United States for extended periods with limited oversight, potentially creating opportunities for abuse while placing additional competition on American job seekers. O’Neill contends that ending OPT would strengthen enforcement of immigration laws, encourage employers to prioritize U.S. workers, and help preserve employment opportunities for recent American graduates entering the workforce. Supporters of the program, however, maintain that it helps attract global talent and benefits the U.S. economy, making the issue a continuing point of discussion in the broader debate over immigration and labor policy.