Amid rumors that the Trump
administration may impose new restrictions on international students who want
to work in the United States after graduation, ACE and nine other associations sent
a letter to the White House this week requesting a meeting to discuss the vital
contributions these students make to our country and economy.
The president’s April 22 “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants who Present Risk to
the U.S. Labor Market during the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19
Outbreak" suspended the entry
of most new immigrants for at least 60 days and ordered a 30-day review to
recommend new restrictions on non-immigrant visa holders.
The Optional Practical Training
(OPT) program reportedly is among
those under scrutiny. OPT permits international students to work in the United
States for 12 months or an additional 24 months in a STEM-related job, usually
after graduation.
The White House hosted a
roundtable in March 2019 with business and higher education leaders, including
ACE Senior Vice President Terry Hartle, to discuss the significance of
international students and specialty occupations, including the importance of OPT.
In the letter, the associations told the White House they would welcome another
discussion soon, given the rapidly changing climate for both campuses and
international students during the pandemic.