Administration issues memo on curricular practical training

The Trump administration has issued a memo directing universities to restrict the issuance of certain internship work authorizations for international students, with a warning that institutions failing to comply could lose their certification to enroll foreign students. The memo, dated August 24, was issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to reports from Dawn and The Hindu.

The memo states that SEVP has "observed a rise in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations that appear to violate regulatory requirements which permit CPT only where the training is an integral part of an established curriculum." It further warns that "failure to comply with SEVP regulations may result in an institution losing certification to enroll foreign students."

Universities pause some work authorizations

In response, some schools have paused certain applications for work authorizations for international students. A spokesperson for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) said, "UCLA has paused certain Curricular Practical Training authorizations while it reviews recent federal guidance and determines next steps."

The University of California, Berkeley's international office characterized the August 24 memo as "more narrow in focus, more direct, and includes content that is more restrictive in nature." The office said it is extending the pause for certain work authorizations for international students for "the foreseeable future." It noted that it will continue processing "degree-requirement" CPT as normal and would resume processing "Doctoral Dissertation and Master's Thesis Research CPT." The office also said it would consult legal experts to develop new processes that align with new federal requirements. The federal government had issued an earlier memo in mid-August.

Homeland Security defends regulations

The Department of Homeland Security, ICE's parent agency, issued a statement saying, "Nothing about these regulations has changed. However, schools and employers should consider themselves on notice: under President Trump, abuse of this generous system will no longer be tolerated."

The administration has previously targeted universities with probes and funding threats over issues including pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, climate programs, and transgender policies. Rights advocates have raised concerns about free speech, academic freedom, and due process. The administration has also revoked the visas of student protesters over pro-Palestinian protests.

Justice Department alleges discriminatory admissions at GWU

Separately, the U.S. Justice Department alleged on Thursday that admissions practices at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services favored Black and Hispanic applicants, citing findings of a probe. The university responded, "We are disappointed by the DOJ's conclusions, which we believe are incorrect," adding that its admissions policies were in compliance with the law and not discriminatory.

The Justice Department has alleged similar bias at other schools, saying it aims for settlement talks. If those efforts fail, the department will file suit, it said.

Perspectives

  • Trump administration: The administration defends the memo as a necessary enforcement of existing regulations, stating that abuse of the system will no longer be tolerated.
  • Universities: UCLA and UC Berkeley are pausing certain CPT authorizations to review the new federal guidance, while continuing to process degree-requirement CPT and other categories.
  • George Washington University: The university disputes the Justice Department's allegations, asserting its admissions policies are lawful and non-discriminatory.
  • Rights advocates: Advocates have raised concerns about free speech, academic freedom, and due process in the context of the administration's actions.