‘It’s Getting Unfriendlier’: International Students Race to Find Jobs
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- International students in the U.S. face increasing challenges transitioning from education to employment due to recent changes in visa policies and employment programs.
- The Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants and implemented a wage-based lottery system, complicating the skilled-worker visa process.
- U.S. Homeland Security has paused visa processing for applicants from 39 countries, and the future of the Optional Practical Training program remains uncertain.
- Graduating students have a limited window of up to five months to secure employment before losing their legal status in the U.S.
- Supporters argue that stricter visa rules aim to protect American jobs amid a slowing job market, tech layoffs, and concerns over automation and AI replacing jobs.