The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security is moving to protect American workers by proposing a steep fee for foreign students who use Optional Practical Training (OPT). Under the draft rule, F‑1 visa holders would pay $70,000 for an initial OPT authorization and $30,000 for any later extension.
Why the fee is being considered
DHS officials say the measure targets fraud and abuse in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. They argue that some schools, designated school officials, employers, and students have exploited the system through “pay‑to‑stay” visa schemes and non‑compliant worksites, turning OPT into a pipeline for cheap foreign labor.
“Optional practical training 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,” a DHS spokesperson explained. “DHS is upskilling OPT to require foreign students to justify their worth to employers. American workers should not have to compete against a program that has been turned into a pipeline for cheap foreign labor.”
How OPT currently works
OPT allows eligible foreign students to work part‑time while enrolled and full‑time for a limited period after graduation, typically at a cost of around $500. To qualify, students must work in a field directly related to their major, receive a recommendation from a designated school official, and obtain employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields can apply for an additional 24‑month extension.
Critics and legal outlook
Industry observers warn the proposal will face legal challenges. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, wrote on LinkedIn, “Don’t panic: DHS has no authority to slap a $70k fee on international students. This proposed rule isn’t going to fare well in the courts, just as the $100k H‑1B fee and other restrictionist policies have been struck down.”
The rule will be open for public comment before any final action, and its ultimate fate will depend on both legal review and stakeholder feedback.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
