Studium: US-Regierung plant 70.000-Dollar-Gebühr für ausländische Studierende
Die Regelung soll helfen, die Zahl ausländischer Studierender zu reduzieren. Betroffen sind vor allem Mint-Studiengänge. Die Öffentlichkeit kann nun Stellung zu dem Vorstoß beziehen.
The United States Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students who wish to work in the country, according to a report. Under the proposed plan, universities would pay the fee for each student's initial application to participate in the "Optional Practical Training" (OPT) program. OPT allows foreign students to work in a field related to their studies while they are enrolled or after graduation, with a one-year work permit by default.
For certain programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), an additional two years of work authorization are possible. Each extension would incur a fee of $30,000 (approximately €26,700). The Department of Homeland Security justified the proposal citing fraud and misuse of the visa program, which it describes as a "channel for low-cost foreign labor".
The Nafsa association, which advocates for international education, warned that the fee could harm the US's innovative capacity and economic growth. The OPT program also helps alleviate shortages of workers in high-demand STEM jobs. Public comment on the proposal is open for 60 days, after which the Department of Homeland Security could adopt the regulation. Higher education and business associations could appeal the decision legally.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
