Trump Once Promised International Students Green Cards. Now The Government Might Charge Them $100,000 To Work.

The U.S. government is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students seeking to work in the United States after completing their studies, according to government records obtained recently. This proposed charge, tied to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, marks a significant shift in policy under the current administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted the proposal to the White House earlier this week, signaling its movement toward formal regulatory consideration. The OPT program currently permits international students to remain in the U.S. for up to three years following graduation, working in their field of study while holding student visas. Employers in sectors requiring advanced technical expertise, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), have long relied on these graduates to fill critical roles. However, the proposed $100,000 fee would drastically increase the financial burden on students, potentially limiting their ability to secure employment in the U.S. after completing their degrees. This move contrasts sharply with statements made by former President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign. At the time, he advocated for international students to receive automatic green cards upon graduation, stating that they should “get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country.” His comments included support for students attending both two-year and four-year institutions, suggesting a clear intent to facilitate their integration into the workforce and economy. Economic analysts argue that international students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy through innovation and job creation. A report by the Economic Innovation Group highlighted that international students who remain in the U.S. after graduation tend to earn higher salaries compared to other STEM professionals. Their presence supports local businesses and fosters entrepreneurial activity, particularly in regions with high concentrations of tech industries. The proposed fee aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to regulate legal immigration, including measures targeting the H-1B visa program. Last year, the administration introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, citing concerns over misuse of the program. However, a federal court ruled the fee unconstitutional, prompting ongoing legal challenges. Critics suggest that implementing similar charges for OPT participants might inadvertently encourage exploitation within the H-1B system. International students often transition from OPT to H-1B status after gaining experience in specialized fields. Limiting access to OPT could hinder their ability to demonstrate their value to potential employers, reducing the likelihood of being sponsored for H-1B visas. Analysts warn that this could create a void in the H-1B program, which is already competitive due to its annual lottery system. Those who maintain continuous employment in the U.S. have a greater chance of securing H-1B visas, especially over multiple attempts. Research indicates that a reduction in the number of U.S.-trained foreign STEM workers could have substantial economic consequences. A decrease of one-third in this group’s numbers could lead to a contraction in GDP comparable to the loss of the entire economies of states like South Carolina, Utah, or others. Such findings underscore the importance of maintaining pathways for international students to remain in the U.S. after graduation. The administration’s rationale for the proposed fee centers around addressing perceived abuses of the OPT program. Officials claim that the measure aims to ensure the program serves its intended purpose rather than becoming a route for prolonged stays. However, critics argue that the fee could deter talented individuals from pursuing careers in the U.S., thereby harming both the economy and the competitiveness of American industries reliant on skilled labor. As the proposal moves forward, stakeholders await further developments regarding its implementation and potential impact on international education and employment trends in the United States.