Federal Investigation Targets Foreign Student Work Program

Miriam Feldblum, executive director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, an association of college leaders that advocates for welcoming immigration policies, said the administration’s approach “shows a fundamental misunderstanding of [the] OPT program and betrays the values of international education more generally.”

“International students contribute intellectually, economically, culturally and socially to our campuses and communities,” she said. “Research on OPT has shown that participation in OPT increases innovation and job opportunities, they create jobs, and spur technological innovation. International students do not displace American workers.”

Feldblum said although the ICE action only targets a small number of OPT participants, Cuccinelli’s remarks “also appeared to have as their aim to generate fear among and cast aspersions on the many dedicated DSOs and other staff who are working to support students, international education and their institutions.”

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