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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.
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.
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.
New Report Details Federal Attacks on Dreamers’ Access to Tuition Equity
On October 7th, TheDream.US, MALDEF, and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration hosted a virtual press event outlining the coordinated federal effort to dismantle state tuition-equity policies that allow eligible Dreamers the chance to afford and attend college. The speakers highlighted the latest legal and policy details and implications of the Department of Justice lawsuits against policies in 24 states and Washington, DC and noted the collective harms of the lawsuits.
During the event, the organizations released a new joint report, detailing the legal and policy landscape across affected states, the status of ongoing challenges, and the broader consequences for students, higher education institutions and state economies.
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 Warns Proposed OPT Fee Would Dismantle International Talent Pipeline and Further Undermine America’s Global Competitiveness
October 7, 2026post
The Coordinated Assault Against Dreamers’ Access to Tuition Equity October 7, 2026 On August 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) announced four lawsuits against states’ tuition-equity policies for Dreamers, detailing new filings against Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. Two weeks later, on September 10, 2026, the DoJ announced four additional lawsuits against tuition equity, this time filing suit against policies in Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Utah, bringing the total to 25 such lawsuits filed...
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The Association of American Universities, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts File Legal Challenge in Response to ICE’s Changes to Vital Internship Program for International Students For Immediate Release: October 5, 2026 Contact: press@presidentsalliance.org Washington, D.C. – Today, the Association of American Universities (AAU), Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities...
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What Institutions Should Know About DOJ’s Immigration Reporting Opinion
September 29, 2026post
