Trump administration mulls $100,000 fee for foreign graduates seeking US jobs; 360,000 Indian students could be affected: Report

The Donald Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students seeking to work in the United States after graduating from American universities, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the proposed charge would apply to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international graduates to work in the US for one to three years, depending on their field of study.

The proposal is currently being examined by the Department of Homeland Security, though it remains unclear whether the White House has endorsed the plan. Details such as who exactly would be required to pay the fee have also not been finalised.

If implemented, the measure could significantly affect international students, including more than 360,000 Indian students currently studying in the United States, and may discourage many prospective applicants from pursuing higher education and post-study employment in the country.