It’s spooky season, and the news is no exception. I think the entire international education community exhaled when a federal judge paused the Duration of Status ruling with an injunction. While this action may seem to merely delay the inevitable, it sent an important message to the government that the IE community and our partners will always stand up for what we believe in. Unsurprisingly, the administration responded with an appeal, so the ruling remains in limbo as the litigation continues. Schools are poised to implement their “post D/S” processes, but continue to operate as “normal,” until the legal battle is settled or a new ruling is issued.
Also under litigation review but sending schools scrambling to update their websites and processes are the newly-defined CPT regulations. NAFSA and other associations filed a lawsuit against the restrictions, citing an unjust break away from normal procedure (including no comment period), threats to institutional and personal liability sent directly to DSOs for these abrupt changes, and a total disruption to student plans and institutional policies, not to mention employers. The lawsuit also makes reference to the negative impact on economic stability and the US’s ability to attract “top talent” by limiting their internship and work opportunities during or after their studies. (NAFSA.org) In the meantime, the memo that landed in DSO’s email inboxes continues to be the government definition for the regulation, and schools must respond accordingly or risk harsh disciplinary action.
The tricks continue, though, as the long-expected focus on OPT has arrived with an OPT Fee Rule clearing the White House review. The rule proposes an astronomical $70,000 fee to be paid by the school on behalf of the student prior to the I-765 being filed (currently the fee is $470-$520). An additional $30,000 fee would be required for any subsequent applications (presumably referring to STEM OPT extensions). In their October 7th email updates, the International Student Resource Center thoughtfully broke down each component of the rule, including the fee sourcing: “Schools may source the fee any way they see fit, including charging the student and/or any employer.” The news update also explains that DSO’s will be able to, or even expected to, deny an OPT recommendation to a student who is “not a strong candidate,” though the ruling fails to address how this will be defined. And, like most of us, the author admitted shock to this outrageous proposal, saying “I confess to being rendered speechless.” Read the full update here.
The ghosts of the students who never came to study here are now haunting us, as evidenced by an American Council on Education survey. The report, which was filled out by Presidents or leaders of 300 different institutions, found that “73% of senior leaders [are] reporting decreased revenues, and 59% [cite] extreme or moderate concern for immigration restrictions and visa revocations.” While the survey was much more broad than simply international education, it highlights the concerns of institutional leaders in the US. The key takeaway is that leaders agree the higher education field, including international education, is struggling, largely due to the negative perception of higher education, an increased lack of access, a decrease in funding including federal grants and financial aid, and rapidly dropping enrollment numbers–both domestic and international. For those specifically reporting a decline in international student enrollment, “the functional consequences varied,” reports The Pie. “While nearly a quarter reported budget reductions in research or student support, 9% said programs had closed or merged, and 11% reported a decrease in financial aid.” (The Pie News)
In lieu of titling this month’s news updates “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” I’ll wish you all a Happy (early) Halloween, lots of treats and no tricks, friendly ghosts and silly skeletons, and a little bit of Hocus Pocus.
From our world to yours, that’s the latest from international education this month.
Recent Comments