The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed charging schools $70,000 for every international student recommended for Optional Practical Training (OPT), plus $30,000 for each renewal. This is not yet final — the public comment period is open until November 9, 2026 (Docket No. ICEB-2026-0100).

Here are the facts:

•  OPT currently costs students about $500. This proposal is a 13,900% increase.

•  DHS admits schools may pass the cost on to students, their families, or employers — so the burden will ultimately fall on young people who already invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition and living expenses into the U.S. economy.

•  DHS is even considering charging the $70,000 fee again each time a student moves to a higher degree level.

•  The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities calls the proposal "deeply flawed," doubting schools can afford it. NAFSA warns it will hurt American innovation, economic growth, and global leadership.

•  International students contribute tens of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy every year and support hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

This fee would not punish fraud — it would punish the rule-following students America should want to keep, and drive the world's talent to Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries.

We call on DHS to withdraw this proposal.

If you agree, please do two things:

1.  Sign this petition.

2.  Submit a formal public comment at regulations.gov (search Docket No. ICEB-2026-0100) before November 9 — that is the comment that officially counts.