Trump Administration Restricts International Student Internships in U.S., Tightening Pressure Beyond Visas

Following restrictions on international student visas and post-graduation employment programs, the Donald Trump administration is now significantly scaling back internship opportunities during enrollment.

Local time on the 28th, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and the Associated Press reported that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently delivered a memo to universities outlining stricter conditions for international student internships.

Previously, international students could work as interns during periods such as summer vacation using only their student visas through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

However, the Department of Homeland Security restricted internships so that they are only permitted if an agreement is established between the university and the employing company, and if CPT is mandatory for all students in that major.

It warned that universities failing to comply would have their authorization to enroll foreign students revoked.

Summer internships are considered a crucial qualification for international students seeking future employment at local U.S. companies, effectively cutting off a pathway that could lead to jobs in advance.

The Department of Homeland Security explained that an investigation by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) found instances where CPT approvals had been granted in violation of the rule restricting it to cases where practical training is mandatory for the curriculum.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated, "President Trump will no longer tolerate the abuse of such a lenient system."

This measure is interpreted as stemming from the Trump administration's view that international students take away jobs from American college graduates.

As the Department of Homeland Security issued a strict warning, the suspension of internship approvals has begun, centered around state universities in California with large populations of foreign students.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) announced, "We have temporarily suspended CPT approvals while reviewing federal guidelines."

UC Berkeley also advised international students on the 24th to plan accordingly, stating that the likelihood of processing employment authorization applications in the near future is low.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign likewise notified international students that related opportunities could be restricted.

The Trump administration has been pouring out policies targeting foreign students since last month.

Last month, it restricted the length of stay for international students holding F visas and exchange visitors holding J visas to a maximum of four years.

In addition, it is reportedly considering imposing hefty fees on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreigners who graduated from U.S. colleges and graduate schools to seek jobs on student visas.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.