The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday proposed a rule that would charge schools $70,000 per international student seeking to work in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT), marking the Trump administration's latest effort to curb foreign enrollment.
Key Takeaways
The Trump administration proposed charging schools $70,000 per international student for work visas under Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- DHS proposes $70K fee for OPT program participation
- Fee aims to curb alleged fraud and 'cheap foreign labor'
- Schools may pass costs to students or employers
- Proposal part of broader anti-immigration agenda
- Legal challenges expected from education groups
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▼Source Claims Check
1 Difference FoundAll 3 publishers report consistent facts across 2 key claims. 1 point of difference noted.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhs Justification | 1 Difference | DHS claims fraud concerns; others highlight benefits | ▼ |
| Opt Fee Proposal | Broad Agreement | $70K initial fee + $30K renewal for OPT program | |
| Potential Impact On Schools And Students | Broad Agreement | $70K fee could strain institutional budgets, increase tuition pressure on American students |
Dhs Justification
▼DHS claims fraud concerns; others highlight benefits
Opt Fee Proposal
Broad Agreement$70K initial fee + $30K renewal for OPT program
Potential Impact On Schools And Students
Broad Agreement$70K fee could strain institutional budgets, increase tuition pressure on American students
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The proposal, published Thursday in the Federal Register and open for public comment until Nov. 9, aims to address alleged fraud and abuse within OPT—a temporary employment authorization program that allows students to work in jobs related to their field of study. According to DHS, OPT has 'ballooned into an uncontrolled guest worker pipeline' and become a 'magnet for fraud.' Under the current system, students pay about $500 to apply and are generally permitted to work in the U.S. for up to a year during or after their studies, with STEM field students eligible for extensions.
Under the proposed rule, schools would have to pay $70,000 for each student's initial participation and an additional $30,000 per renewal, though DHS acknowledges that schools 'may pass the financial obligation of this proposed fee' to students or employers. Collected fees would be deposited in the U.S. Treasury.
A DHS spokesperson stated that OPT 'was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a prize for those who game the system.' The administration claims that without these fees, it cannot operate OPT consistent with its focus on preventing fraud and may shut down the program entirely. The proposal is expected to face legal challenges from higher education groups or business associations.
How this summary was created
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