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🧵DHS just published a proposal to charge U.S. colleges and universities $70,000 per student to start the Optional Practical Training (OPT) process, and an additional $30,000 for each extension. @fwd.us President Todd Schulte issued a public statement on the proposal

“This policy would be a dramatic, self-defeating step to forfeit the United States as a destination in the global race for talent.” Read the full statement: www.fwd.us/news/fwd-us-...

“The average American may not understand how critical OPT is for America’s ability to lead for years to come, but we should be clear how devastating this step would be.”

None of the revenue the tax could generate would be used to administer OPT rules. These taxes are Congress's responsibility; this is a clear overreach of DHS authority and would work towards DHS's stated goal of discouraging participation in OPT -- potentially killing the program.

In 2024, OPT gave over 400,000 international graduates, many of them in STEM, a chance to put their education into practice and contribute their skills in the U.S., helping retain global talent rather than sending it to competing countries.

For more details about the OPT program and how it benefits the United States, read our policy brief: www.fwd.us/news/what-is...

International students, many of whom participate in OPT, benefit the larger U.S. economy. Last academic year, international students contributed $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 355,700 jobs, according to NAFSA. Learn more: www.fwd.us/news/interna...

American leadership in these critical and emerging industries, bolstered by effective immigration programs like OPT, is important for protecting national security and ensuring the U.S.’ strategic competitive advantage. Read more here: www.fwd.us/news/stem-im...

So long as international students still want to study in the U.S., OPT and STEM OPT will enable them to gain valuable work experience after graduation, even if only for a limited period of time. Learn more: www.fwd.us/news/stem-in...