US Dream Turns Expensive? Trump Administration Weighs 100,000 Dollars Fee for Foreign Students

Washington: Big news has come for millions of international students who are dreaming of making a career after studying in America. President Donald Trump's administration is considering a proposal under which a fee of up to 1 lakh dollars (about Rs 83 lakh) can be charged to foreign students who want to work in America after completing their studies. If this proposal is implemented, both education and jobs in America could be more expensive than ever.

What is the new proposal?

According to media reports, this proposal is related to those foreign students who want to work in America after completing their studies. The administration is considering changes in this system, due to which students may have to pay heavy fees before starting the job.

What is OPT programme?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a US program that allows international students to work in the US after completing their degree. Generally, students can work for one year, while students related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) get the opportunity to work for a longer period under the prescribed rules.

What will be the impact on students?

If the proposed fee is implemented, it will place a huge financial burden on students even before they start working in the US. This challenge will be especially big for those students who have studied by taking education loan and had planned to repay it through job.

How many students may be affected?

According to the available data of 2024, about 4.19 lakh international students were working in America under the OPT programme. If the new fees are implemented, a large number of foreign students may choose other countries instead of America. This is also expected to impact America's international education system.