A wave of opposition is emerging from colleges and universities across the United States in response to the proposed fee increase for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students. Critics warn that a potential fee ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 could significantly deter foreign students from pursuing educational opportunities in the US and lead to a talent drain towards countries like Canada and the UK. In a joint effort, nearly 600 US colleges, along with organizations like the Presidents’ Alliance and the American Council on Education, are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw the proposed fee hikes, citing concerns over access, fairness, and potential for increased fraud in the OPT program. International students have expressed anxiety over these policy changes, fearing the impact on their career prospects and the future of their studies in the US. Prominent voices, including legal experts and student advocates, are calling for immediate action to halt these proposals and protect the viability of the OPT program, which has been a crucial avenue for many foreign students to gain practical work experience post-graduation.