DHS proposes fees of up to $70,000 for universities with students in OPT
publishers 18articles 18first reported 7 Oct, 18:57 UTCdeveloping since 8 Oct · 9 editions
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed requiring educational institutions to pay $70,000 when an international student first participates in Optional Practical Training and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT period.
OPT allows students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after graduation in jobs related to their field of study. Students are generally eligible for one year of employment, while graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can receive an extension that brings the total period to three years.
DHS said the proposed fees are intended to address fraud and abuse in the program. The department described OPT as a “pipeline for cheap foreign labour” and said its Student and Exchange Visitor Program had identified alleged exploitation involving schools, officials, employers and students. DHS cited problematic worksites and “pay-to-stay” arrangements in which students allegedly maintain visa status without legitimate employment or training.
The proposal is subject to a 60-day public-comment period before DHS decides whether to finalize and implement it. Higher education groups and business associations could challenge the rule in court.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 1 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 12 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 18
- Source articles
- 18
- Given to the writer
- 8, 1 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 12 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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