Browsing: Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule change on Oct. 7 that would establish that schools pay a $70,000 fee per F-1 non-immigrant student for initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) and a $30,000 fee per F-1 non-immigrant student for any program extensions, which is said to “combat fraud and abuse, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers.”

More uncertainty looms over international students after a federal judge in Massachusetts ordered the postponement of the “Duration of Status” (D/S) rule change Sept. 14, leaving the policy without a new start date. The Baylor ISSS Office issued a statement on the matter via email to all international students Sept. 15, the day the rule change was originally set to take effect.

The number of immigrant children caught alone illegally crossing the Mexican border into the United States continued to decline in August, according to figures disclosed Wednesday by the Homeland Security Department.