The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the proposed rule on October 7, under which institutions would pay an additional $30,000 per year for extensions of a student’s initial OPT.
In its current form, OPT offers international students on F-1 visas an opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study for 12 months after graduation, while remaining in student status. Eligible STEM graduates can extend the program for a further two years.
The program is central to America’s appeal as a study destination, and its growing popularity has been a driving force behind rising international student numbers in recent years.
NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw said the proposed fee structure was the latest development creating “deep uncertainty” for international students.
“OPT enables international students to gain the same hands-on experience as their domestic peers while filling labor shortages in high-demand STEM fields and generating jobs for US workers on US soil,” she continued.
Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership
Fanta Aw, NAFSA
“The research is clear: international students don’t take opportunities from Americans, they create them. Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership.”
NAFSA said it would mobilise its members to submit detailed comments on the proposed rule.
Zuzana C. Wootson, deputy director of federal policy, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, described the proposal as “yet another attempt to dismantle the international talent pipeline that is crucial to US global competitiveness”.
“By imposing prohibitive and arbitrary fees on access to practical training, the administration would put OPT out of reach for many students and institutions, causing tremendous harm to campuses, employers, and communities across the country.”
She added that the consequences “would extend well beyond international students”.
“Declining international enrollment would strain institutional budgets, increase tuition pressure on American students, and diminish the educational experience for everyone.”
Importantly, Wootson pointed out the repercussions for employers who would “lose access to graduates who help meet workforce needs in STEM, healthcare, and research” as well as the communities that would “lose spending and jobs, while reduced access to talent would slow innovation and economic growth nationwide”.
“This rule would undermine America’s success. DHS should withdraw the proposal and protect this longstanding program,” said Wootson.
