Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee to curb foreign student work authorizations

The Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed $70,000 fee for a work authorization program that many foreign students and scholars use to gain professional experience in the United States.

The proposal was part of a pair of sweeping announcements issued within two days, aimed at tightening restrictions on international researchers who comprise a sizable share of the nation’s biomedical research workforce.

If implemented, the high cost could limit the ability of foreign students to obtain the authorizations needed for training and research positions, potentially affecting the pipeline of talent that supports U.S. biotech and pharmaceutical development.