Homeland Security proposes steep fees for international student work program

The short version

• The Department of Homeland Security drafted a regulation imposing a $70,000 fee on schools for each initial application to the Optional Practical Training program, plus $30,000 for renewals.[PBS NewsHour]
• The policy targets universities and foreign graduates seeking practical work experience connected to their degree fields.[PBS NewsHour]
• DHS characterized the measure as an effort to counter fraud and curb reliance on cheap overseas labor.[PBS NewsHour]
• The draft regulation faces a 60-day public comment period before officials can finalize and implement the rules.[PBS NewsHour]

Key facts

• The Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to work in the United States.[PBS NewsHour]
• Colleges would be required to pay $70,000 for each initial application to the optional practical training program, alongside a $30,000 renewal fee.[PBS NewsHour]
• DHS stated the proposed fees address visa program abuse and fraud, arguing the training program functions as a pipeline for inexpensive foreign labor.[PBS NewsHour]
• The administration established a 60-day public comment period before DHS can finalize the draft measure.[PBS NewsHour]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Trump administration proposes a $70,000 fee for international students to work in the U.S.PBS NewsHour - Politics · Wire: associated-press
• Trump administration proposes a $70,000 fee for international students to work in the USAssociated Press
• DHS proposes massive $70K fee for foreign students seeking work authorizationFox News - Politics