Call to Action: Proposed DHS Fees on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

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The Department of Homeland Security has proposed substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students on F-1 visas to work in their field of study during or after their degree programs. The proposal would require institutions to pay $70,000 for an initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for subsequent recommendations, including STEM OPT extensions. These proposed fees could create significant barriers for early-career plant scientists and the laboratories that employ them. The proposal is not currently in effect.

If implemented, the fees could significantly affect U.S. research institutions’ ability to attract and retain international scientists, including plant biologists who make important contributions to scientific research and innovation.

ASPB’s Advocacy Efforts

ASPB has joined a multi-sector joint letter organized by the Institute for Progress (IFP). The letter brings together scientific societies, universities, businesses, and other organizations to express concerns about the proposal’s potential impacts on the U.S. economy, scientific research, innovation, and international student enrollment. ASPB members are encouraged to learn more about the proposed rule and consider participating in the following advocacy efforts.

Opportunities for Individuals to Engage

  1. Signing the Individual Scientist Letter (Deadline: November 9 at Noon ET) – IFP is also helping coordinate an individual scientist’s sign-on letter urging DHS to withdraw the proposed fees. ASPB members are encouraged to review the letter and consider adding their names. The letter will be filed as a public comment, which DHS must address.
  2. Submitting an Individual Public Comment (Deadline: November 9 at 11:59 PM ET) – The American Physical Society (APS) has submitted comments outlining concerns about the proposed fees and their implications for the U.S. scientific workforce. APS has also established an advocacy portal to help facilitate the submission of individual public comments to DHS. ASPB encourages members to share how the proposed fees could affect plant science research, international collaboration, and the ability of U.S. institutions to recruit and retain scientific talent. 

International scientists play an essential role in advancing plant biology and strengthening the U.S. research enterprise. ASPB encourages members and partner organizations to participate in the federal rulemaking process and share their perspectives.

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