Ft Wayne Times

Senator Jim Banks, a member of the U.S. Senate representing Indiana, has recently addressed issues concerning employment policies and higher education initiatives through several posts on his official social media account.

On November 5, 2025, Senator Banks criticized current federal immigration work programs for international students in the United States. He stated, "Unelected Bureaucrats created incentives for companies to hire foreign student graduates over American graduates without Congressional approval. It’s time to END the America Last OPT program, and put American workers first!" The senator’s remarks refer to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students who graduate from U.S. colleges and universities to work temporarily in the country.

The following day, on November 6, 2025, Senator Banks highlighted his visit with leadership at Trine University in Indiana. He posted: "Great to visit with @TrineUniversity President Dr. Earl Brooks yesterday about all of the great things happening there. Record enrollment this year!"

Later that same day, he commented on national policy matters more broadly by stating: "When common sense wins, America wins!"

The OPT program referenced by Senator Banks has been a subject of ongoing debate among policymakers and labor organizations. Critics argue that it provides an incentive for companies to employ foreign graduates instead of domestic ones without direct Congressional oversight or approval.

Trine University is a private institution based in Angola, Indiana. The university has reported record-high enrollment figures for recent academic years as noted by Senator Banks during his campus visit.

Senator Jim Banks assumed office as Indiana's junior senator in January 2025 after previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.