The Trump administration proposed introducing significant fees for participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for international students studying in the US. These costs could make combining studies and work more expensive for international students.
According to the Homeland Security Department's proposal, the initial application for the OPT program must be accompanied by a payment of $70,000 (equivalent to approximately 67.72 lakh Indian rupees). These funds would not come directly from the students themselves but through the respective colleges or universities. Furthermore, a fee of $30,000 is proposed for extending or renewing the program.
The OPT program allows international students to work in the US in a field related to their studies. Typically, students can work for one year after graduation. For those studying STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), there is an option to work for an additional two years.
This proposal could potentially impact American educational institutions that host a large number of international students, as these students are an important source of funding for these institutions. Technology companies and other industries that actively hire international students could also be affected.
The Homeland Security Department explains the introduction of this fee as an attempt to prevent fraud and abuse in the visa system. The department claims that OPT has been used as a means to attract cheap foreign labor. In response to this proposal, NAFSA, which represents the interests of the international education sector, issued a protest. NAFSA head, Fanta Av, warned that sidelining international students from the US could negatively affect American innovation, economic growth, employment, and global leadership.
It is important to note that this is not yet a final decision. The public has 60 days to submit feedback and objections to this proposal. After this, the Homeland Security Department may approve and implement it. However, there is a possibility that higher education institutions and business associations will challenge this proposal in court, which could delay its implementation.
The Trump administration has previously taken several strict measures against international students. Last year, the administration suddenly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, many of whom were detained and deported from the US. This year, the administration also approved a rule requiring federal government approval for international students to stay in the US for more than four years. Nevertheless, a federal court prohibited the application of this rule in September.