華盛頓：美國教育界專家警告，特朗普政府提出的計劃，若向每名尋求工作經驗的國際學生收取美國 70,000 美元費用，可能會令外國學生對在美國求取高等教育的興趣降低。
該項提議的費用將適用於「可選實習訓練（OPT）」計劃，該計劃允許符合條件的國際學生在學習期間或畢業後，獲取與其專業領域相關的工作經驗。
教育專家表示，這一措施是美國總統唐納德·特朗普更廣泛的移民收緊政策的一部分，可能會進一步削弱美國大學的吸引力，因為其他國家正加緊吸引國際人才的努力。
他們警告，這項提議可能對美國經濟和外交產生深遠影響。
WORK OPPORTUNITIES A MAJOR DRAW
每年有超過一百萬名國際學生選擇就讀美國的高等教育機構，這一吸引力源自美國學位的聲望、可接觸到的領先研究機構、專業網絡以及在全球最大經濟體中獲取實踐經驗的機會。
對於不少人來說，能在美國工作前景，是決定在哪裡求學的重要因素之一。
OPT 計劃為國際學生提供將所學知識付諸實踐的機會，同時讓美國雇主得以僱用具備專門技能的畢業生。
「能在美國獲得在職培訓的機會，對於潛在的學生來說是非常重要的。」美國教育協會副總裁莎拉·斯普賴茲特表示，該協會代表大學校長。
現行的 OPT 框架可追溯至 1992 年，當時的總統為喬治·赫伯特·華盛頓布什。根據該計劃，符合條件的外國學生可從事與其主修科目直接相關的臨時就業。
學生通常有資格在畢業後獲得長達一年的就業機會，而在某些科學、技術、工程與數學（STEM）領域的學生，則可再獲得額外兩年的資格。
目前學生需繳交申請費 520 美元。
然而，根據特朗普政府的提案，大學將須就每名學生的申請支付 70,000 美元，續約每次支付 30,000 美元。
專家警告，大學可能把額外成本轉嫁給學生，在本已高昂的學費、生活費及畢業後就業前景不確定的情況下，讓在美求學的吸引力大幅下降。
「這是在傳遞一個訊息：去其他地方吧。」加州大學聖塔芭芭拉分校經濟學教授迪克·斯塔茲說。
「這次的最大影響，就是要嚇退國際學生前往美國。這是美國能做出的史上最愚蠢的商業決策之一。」
BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AT STAKE
The potential impact extends well beyond university campuses.
International students are a major source of revenue for American higher education institutions and the communities surrounding them, contributing through tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food and other spending.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, international students contributed US$42.9 billion to the US economy and supported more than 355,000 jobs, according to international education association NAFSA.
Their spending helps sustain businesses in university towns and cities, including landlords, restaurants, retailers and service providers. A sustained decline in international enrolment could therefore hurt local economies and employment.
Signs of a downturn have already emerged.
Enrolment of new international students in autumn 2025 fell 17 per cent, the sharpest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. The drop is estimated to have cost college cities nationwide more than US$1 billion.
Educators fear the trend could accelerate as prospective students weigh rising costs and tighter immigration restrictions against opportunities elsewhere.
“This year, they are predicting that it will likely double (last year’s fall in foreign enrolment). And I think we will continue to see it reduce at least for the remainder of this administration,” said Spreitzer.
She warned that the damage to the US’ reputation as a welcoming destination for international students could persist even if future administrations reverse the immigration restrictions.
“I’m not sure if (the student numbers) is something that’s going to be able to come back, even if you change all of the visa rules to pre-Trump administration,” she said.
Educators also warn that declining international enrolment could undermine American research and innovation, particularly in fields where universities and employers compete globally for specialised talent.
IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS RAISE UNCERTAINTY
The proposed OPT fees come amid Trump’s wider immigration crackdown, which has targeted both illegal and legal immigration.
After initially focusing on tighter border enforcement and preventing unauthorised crossings, the administration has pursued measures affecting foreigners seeking to enter, study, live and work legally in the US.
The tightening restrictions have added to uncertainty across the US higher education sector, raising concerns about its ability to compete for international students as universities elsewhere step up recruitment efforts.
South Korea, for example, recorded a 21 per cent surge in foreign student numbers this year, while China has also experienced a rebound in international enrolment following the pandemic.
Analysts say countries offering more predictable visa arrangements, affordable education and clearer post-graduation employment pathways could gain an advantage.
Experts warn that declining international enrolment could also weaken America’s global influence.
Many graduates return to their home countries with professional connections, personal relationships and familiarity with American institutions and culture. Experts say such ties are often regarded as an important source of US soft power, helping strengthen diplomatic, commercial and cultural relationships.
“(Many) leaders in business and politics all around the world have studied in the US,” said Startz. “If you spend some time in the US, you go home liking Americans, and that’s soft power. Losing that is a very, very bad political and security decision.”
A public consultation period on the proposed OPT fees is scheduled to run until Nov 9, giving universities, education organisations and other stakeholders an opportunity to submit feedback.
If finalised, the measures are expected to face legal challenges from higher education groups or business associations, potentially delaying their implementation.
Still, educators warn that uncertainty surrounding the proposal could itself deter prospective applicants, even before any new fees take effect.
