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We are an alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses and communities.
Presidents’ Alliance Files Amicus Brief to Defend Maryland Dream Act
On October 15, the Presidents’ Alliance filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in support of Maryland’s Dream Act and related policies that expand access to higher education for Dreamers. These policies allow eligible students, regardless of immigration status, to access in-state tuition and certain state financial aid programs, helping them enroll in college, complete their degrees, and contribute to their communities.
The brief highlights the educational, institutional, and economic consequences of dismantling Maryland’s tuition equity policies. Restricting access would disrupt students’ education, undermine college enrollment and completion, and impose significant administrative burdens on institutions. It would also weaken Maryland’s investment in its students and future workforce.
Proposed OPT Fee Would Dismantle International Talent Pipeline
On October 7th, the administration released a proposed rule, “Optional Practical Training Fees,” for public inspection. The rule would require colleges and universities to pay $70,000 before recommending an international student for initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension. The proposed rule is scheduled to be formally published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026, with a 30-day public comment period.
The prohibitive and arbitrary fee would harm campuses, employers, students, as well as our economy and communities, making the U.S. a far less attractive destination for the world’s most talented students and further undermine America’s global competitiveness.
Legal Challenge Filed in Response to ICE’s Changes to Vital Internship Program
On October 5th, the Presidents’ Alliance and other Educational Associations filed a lawsuit against United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice in response to two broadcast messages the agency sent in August, which suddenly – and without explanation – drastically changed a position that the federal government had endorsed for more than 35 years regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students.
This dramatically different interpretation from the agency that oversees CPT has put longstanding campus practices and students’ access to these opportunities at risk, without notice and comment or sufficient time for colleges and universities to respond.
Higher Ed Immigration Portal
An initiative that integrates data, policies, resources, and effective practices about DACA and undocumented, other immigrant, international, and refugee students to fuel change at the federal, state, and campus level, and build a diverse movement of partners.
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Latest Updates from Presidents' Alliance
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Presidents’ Alliance Submits Public Comments Opposing Proposed Optional Practical Training Fees
November 10, 2026post
Presidents’ Alliance Submits Comments on DHS’s OPT Fee Proposed Rule
November 9, 2026post
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of U.S. higher education. Through internships, research, and other practical experiences, international students apply what they learn in the classroom while contributing to colleges and universities, local employers, and communities across the country. Recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) threaten access to these opportunities, with consequences for American students, research, workforce development, and U.S. global competitiveness. This two-pager summarizes DHS’s proposed rule imposing prohibitive fees on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and its...
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Higher Education Institution Guidance to Submit Comments for Optional Practical Training Fees
October 20, 2026post
