Trump Administration Weighs New Fee on International Student Work Program

The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training, which allows eligible international graduates to work in the United States for up to three years, although the Department of Homeland Security indicated that no policy has been announced. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that it remains unclear whether a formal proposal will emerge or whether employers, students, or institutions would be responsible for the fee; higher education leaders warn that such a substantial cost could significantly reduce access to OPT and further affect international student recruitment.