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The administration under U.S. President Donald Trump is actively evaluating a proposal to charge international graduates a 100,000 dollar AS (sekitar Rp 1,8 miliar) fee, roughly equivalent to Rp 1.8 billion, to live and work in the United States after finishing their degrees, according to an anonymous source familiar with internal discussions. White House officials have confirmed that while no formal policy change has been finalized yet, the high-cost proposal remains under internal review.
Targeting the Optional Practical Training Program
The proposed fee specifically targets the Optional Practical Training program, known as OPT, which serves as a primary pathway for foreign graduates to gain practical work experience in their fields. Institute of International Education data shows nearly 300,000 international students enrolled in the OPT program last fall, making up about a quarter of the total foreign student population in the U.S. According to government officials, the program is vulnerable to visa fraud and high rates of overstays, driving the administration to weigh severe restrictions and new financial barriers that could put the extension out of reach for most graduates.
Broader Immigration Clampdowns on Foreign Students
Reporting by The Wall Street Journal and the South China Morning Post highlights that this potential OPT fee is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reduce international student numbers on U.S. campuses. Under the updated regulations, foreign students face a strict four-year maximum stay unless they secure specific extensions.
Did you know? OPT participants account for roughly 25 percent of the entire international student population currently residing in the United States, according to the Institute of International Education.
Parallels with H-1B Visa Fee Battles
The 100,000 dollar AS (sekitar Rp 1,8 miliar) fee proposal mirrors a similar financial hurdle previously attempted for H-1B visas, the main route for global tech and STEM talent to secure employment with American companies. That earlier visa fee faced legal challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OPT program?
Optional Practical Training allows international graduates with student visas to temporarily live and work in the U.S. to gain hands-on experience related to their major field of study.
Has the 100,000 dollar AS (sekitar Rp 1,8 miliar) fee officially taken effect?
No. According to the White House, the fee is currently under internal review and no official policy change has been implemented.
How many students use the OPT program?
Data from the Institute of International Education indicates that nearly 300,000 international students participated in OPT during the fall term.
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