The Donald Trump administration is reportedly considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students seeking to work in the United States after completing their studies, a proposal that could significantly affect more than 360,000 Indian students currently enrolled in American universities.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed charge would apply to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international graduates to work in the US for one to three years, depending on their field of study.
The proposal is currently under review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, it remains unclear whether the White House has approved the measure or which categories of students would be required to pay the fee if implemented.
If introduced, the proposed fee would represent a major increase in the cost of post-study employment and could discourage many international students from pursuing higher education in the United States.
The proposal is still under consideration, and no final decision has been announced.
