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

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.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe