Trump administration wants to limit internship opportunities for foreign students
The Trump administration has issued an executive order restricting the issuance of clinical practice permits (CPTs) to foreign students. Some universities have stopped accepting applications after being warned that non-compliant institutions will lose their right to admit foreigners.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has issued a directive to universities to restrict the issuance of certain types of internship permits to foreign students, the federal government has warned that colleges and universities that do not comply with these rules could lose their certification to admit foreign students.
The federal directive, dated August 24, states that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, “has observed an increasing number of CPT (Curricular Practical Training) permits that appear to violate regulatory requirements that only allow internships that are an integral part of the curriculum.”
“Failure to comply with SEVP rules could result in the revocation of a higher education institution’s certification to admit foreign students,” the letter says.
Following the warning, several universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), have temporarily suspended some work permit applications for international students.
“UCLA has temporarily suspended the issuance of certain CPT permits while we review the latest federal guidance and determine next steps,” a UCLA spokesperson said.
UC Berkeley’s International Office described the August 24 guidance as “more narrow, more direct, and more restrictive.” The federal government issued a similar notice in mid-August. UC Berkeley’s International Office said it was unlikely that some work permit applications would be processed “in the near future,” and urged international students to plan accordingly.
However, the university said it will continue to process CPT permits, which are “program requirements,” as usual, and will resume reviewing “PhD and M.A. theses and research CPTs.” The department said it would consult with legal counsel to develop procedures that comply with the new federal requirements.
“Nothing has changed in these regulations,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said in a statement. “However, universities and employers should be aware that abuse of this generous system will no longer be tolerated under President Trump.”
Trump has been targeting universities with investigations and threats to cut funding over pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s offensive in Gaza, diversity initiatives, climate programs and other issues. Human rights activists have raised concerns about the violation of free speech, academic freedom and due process. The Trump administration is also revoking visas for students who have taken part in protests that are seen as pro-Palestinian and anti-Semitic or sympathetic to extremists. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, have said that opposing Israel's offensive in Gaza and occupation of Palestinian territories is not anti-Semitic, and that defending Palestinian rights is not the same as supporting extremism.