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STAT+: Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee for popular international student work program

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In short

The Trump administration has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, intended to combat fraud and abuse and help U.S. citizens compete in the job market. The department spokesperson stated that the program was never meant to be a backdoor into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a prize for those who game the system. The article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers and is available for purchase.

Key points

  • The $70,000 fee is proposed for international students participating in the Optional Prac…: The $70,000 fee is proposed for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
  • The fee is intended to combat alleged fraud and abuse in the program.: The fee is intended to combat alleged fraud and abuse in the program.
  • The restrictions would also help U.S. citizens compete in the job market.: The restrictions would also help U.S. citizens compete in the job market.

As part of its ongoing bid to more tightly regulate international students, the Trump administration on Wednesday announced a proposed $70,000 fee for a popular work authorization program meant to give students professional experience.

The Department of Homeland Security said the fee would help combat alleged fraud and abuse in the work program, known as Optional Practical Training, which allows students to get hands-on work experience related to their field of study while still on a student visa. The department also said the restrictions would help U.S. citizens compete against international applicants in the job market.

“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,” said a department spokesperson in a press release. “American workers should not have to compete against a program that has been turned into a pipeline for cheap foreign labor.”

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Original source: www.statnews.com

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