Immigration

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

The White House is formally reviewing a proposal to add a $100,000 fee to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

Billy Binion | 8.21.2026 4:24 PM

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The White House is officially reviewing a proposal from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to impose a $100,000 fee on international students who want to work in the U.S. after graduating from American universities, government records show.

News of the initial proposal first broke late last month. Its progression to regulatory review, after the DHS formally submitted to the White House on Thursday, is a signal it is closer to succeeding.

The fee would be attached to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international students to work in the U.S. on student visas for up to three years after graduation. It is a major source of talent, especially........

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