President Trump and his administration are continuing to make it more difficult for foreigners to take jobs from American citizens.
The Trump administration is proposing a sweeping change to a federal program that allows international students to work in the United States, requiring colleges and universities to pay as much as $100,000 for each participating student.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that it wants to impose a $70,000 fee for international students entering the Optional Practical Training program, commonly known as OPT.
Schools would also face a $30,000 fee for each subsequent authorization, including extensions available to students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The proposal represents a dramatic increase from the current system, under which international students generally pay approximately $500 in application fees while universities face no comparable charges.
The new fees would be assessed against educational institutions, although schools could potentially pass the costs to students or employers.
OPT allows foreign students holding F-1 visas to obtain temporary employment related to their academic studies.
Most students can work for up to 12 months after graduation, while those with qualifying STEM degrees can receive an additional 24-month extension.
The program has become an important source of workers for technology companies, engineering firms and other industries seeking employees with specialized training.
It also provides international graduates with an opportunity to gain professional experience before potentially applying for other employment-based immigration programs.
Under the proposed rule, universities would have to pay the $70,000 fee before recommending a student for initial OPT authorization.
The additional $30,000 charge would apply to subsequent participation, including STEM extensions.
DHS argues that the changes are necessary to prevent fraud, strengthen immigration enforcement and protect American workers.
The department described OPT as a program vulnerable to exploitation by employers seeking inexpensive foreign labor.
Officials contend that imposing substantial fees would discourage improper use of the program and encourage universities to evaluate more carefully which students they recommend for employment authorization.
The administration has also argued that some employers use temporary employment programs to avoid hiring American workers at prevailing wages.
Critics dispute that characterization, arguing that international graduates frequently fill specialized positions and contribute to American research, innovation and economic growth.
The proposal has drawn immediate criticism from higher education organizations.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association representing international education, warned that the fees could discourage talented students from attending American universities.
She argued that limiting access to international graduates would harm innovation, workforce development and the country’s ability to compete globally.
The American Council on Education also expressed concern about the potential consequences for universities already experiencing declining international enrollment.
Sarah Spreitzer, the organization’s vice president, said access to post-graduation employment is a major reason foreign students choose American colleges.
Removing that opportunity through prohibitively expensive fees could make other countries more attractive destinations, she warned.
International enrollment has already shown signs of weakening.
The number of new international students entering the United States declined 17% last fall, the sharpest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some institutions are reporting additional enrollment declines of 30% to 40% this year, although comprehensive national figures are not yet available.
Foreign students represent an important source of tuition revenue for many American universities, particularly because they frequently pay higher tuition rates than domestic students.
A sustained decline could affect university budgets, academic programs and research operations.
The proposal also follows several other Trump administration efforts to tighten immigration rules affecting international students and foreign workers.
Earlier initiatives included changes to student visa requirements, restrictions on employment authorization and higher fees associated with the H-1B visa program.
The rule was published in the Federal Register on October 8, opening a public comment period that runs through November 9.
DHS must review public comments before issuing a final rule.
If finalized, the department plans to delay implementation for 60 days to give universities, students and employers time to prepare.
Until then, the existing OPT program and its current application fees remain in place.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
