Trump administration proposes a $70,000 fee for international students to work in the U.S.

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to work in the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This comes as part of the Trump administration's efforts to curb foreign enrollment and crack down on visa fraud. OPT allows students to work in jobs related to their major during or after their time in school, with eligibility for one year of work post-graduation, or up to two years for STEM majors.

The proposed rule would require schools to pay the fee for each student who participates in OPT, both upon initial application and upon renewal - a $30,000 fee for each renewal. The fee is intended to prevent foreign students from being used as a source of cheap labor, according to DHS. However, this policy could have a significant impact on higher education and American industries that rely on international talent, including tech companies and other STEM-related fields.

The American Council on Education and other education groups have expressed concern over the proposal, noting that OPT is one of the primary reasons international students choose to study in the U.S., as it allows them to gain valuable work experience and fill labor shortages in high-demand STEM fields. The proposed fee could deter international students from pursuing their education in the U.S. and contribute to a decline in enrollment, which has already been affected by the pandemic.

The DHS is seeking public comment on the proposal for 60 days before finalizing and implementing the fee. The proposal could also face legal challenges from higher education groups or business associations, potentially delaying its implementation.