Trump administration seeks to restrict internships for international students

President Donald Trump's administration has issued a memo to universities, seeking to restrict certain internship work authorizations for international students. The memo, dated August 24, warns that colleges not complying with the regulations may lose certification to enroll foreign students. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, has observed an increase in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations that appear to violate regulatory requirements.

These regulations stipulate that CPT must be an integral part of an established curriculum. Some universities, such as the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, Berkeley, have paused certain applications for work authorizations for international students while reviewing the new federal guidance.

The UC Berkeley international office stated that the Aug 24 memo is more restrictive than an earlier one issued mid-August. The Trump administration has targeted universities over various issues, including pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, climate programs, and transgender policies. Rights advocates have raised concerns over free speech, academic freedom, and due process.

The US Justice Department has also alleged bias in admissions practices at certain schools, which the universities deny, stating that their policies are in compliance with the law and not discriminatory.