Trump administration seeks to restrict internships for international students

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program has noted an increase in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for international students that appear to be in violation of regulations. These rules stipulate that CPT can only occur when the training is an essential part of a school's established curriculum.

Institutions that non-comply with SEVP regulations risk losing certification to enroll foreign students. Several universities, including UCLA and UC Berkeley, have paused certain work authorization applications for international students while they review the latest federal guidance and decide on the next steps. UCLA has temporarily halted Curricular Practical Training authorizations pending further review.

UC Berkeley's international office stated that they are unlikely to process work authorization applications in the near future due to the new restrictions, and they have urged international students to plan accordingly. They will, however, continue processing degree-requiring CPT and Doctoral Dissertation and Master's Thesis Research CPT.

The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that these regulations have not changed. President Trump's administration has been targeting universities over various issues, including diversity initiatives and transgender policies, leading to probes and funding threats. Rights advocates have raised concerns over free speech, academic freedom, and due process.

Separately, the U.S. Justice Department has alleged bias in admissions practices at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services, favoring Black and Hispanic applicants.