The unofficial flag of New England.
BOSTON
From The New England Council (slightly edited by New England Diary):
On Nov. 5 the New England Council submitted comments to express significant concerns regarding the proposed federal rule titled “Optional Practical Training (OPT) Fees.” Under this proposed rule, fees would apply for each F-1 nonimmigrant student to engage in OPT through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution: $70,000 for initial OPT; and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT.
The Department of Homeland Security asserts that this rule would help prevent fraud. In reality, it would raise the cost of hiring and training international graduates, weaken the talent pipeline that New England employers depend on, and contribute to a brain drain from the U.S. to our competitors as researchers go elsewhere.
International students contribute nearly $5 billion to our region’s economy. These students support 40,968 jobs. 119,334 international students are enrolled in our region’s colleges and universities. By state:
Connecticut
Financial Contribution: $747.7 million
Jobs Supported: 5,848
International Students Enrolled: 21,865
Maine
Financial Contribution: $87.3 Million
Jobs Supported: 499
International Students Enrolled: 2,306
Massachusetts
Financial Contribution: $3.6 billion
Jobs Supported: 30,805
International Students Enrolled: 84,097
New Hampshire
Financial Contribution: $160.4 million
Jobs Supported: 1,263
International Students Enrolled: 4,575
Rhode Island
Financial Contribution: $272.4 Million
Jobs Supported: 2,217
International Students Enrolled: 5,212
Vermont
Financial Contribution: $57.6 million
Jobs Supported: 336
International Students Enrolled: 1,279
To remain competitive globally, we must attract and maintain the best talent. We urge DHS to withdraw the proposal.