The Trump administration has tightened restrictions governing work and practical training permits for international students, warning U.S. universities that failure to comply with federal regulations could jeopardize their ability to enroll foreign students.
A federal memorandum dated Aug. 24 said the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, had identified an increase in cases involving curricular practical training that appeared not to meet regulatory requirements.
Curricular practical training allows international students to work or undertake internships when the training is an integral part of an established academic curriculum.
The memorandum warned universities that failing to comply with program requirements could result in the loss of their certification to enroll international students.
The new guidance has prompted some universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Berkeley, to suspend or review certain work authorization requests submitted by international students.
The move comes amid a broader series of actions by President Donald Trump’s administration targeting U.S. universities over issues including pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, climate programs and policies concerning transgender people.
The administration has faced criticism from civil rights advocates, who have raised concerns about free speech, academic freedom and due process protections.
The administration has also revoked visas belonging to some students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, arguing that certain demonstrations promoted antisemitism or showed sympathy for extremist groups.
Protesters, including Jewish organizations and activists, have rejected those characterizations, arguing that opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories does not amount to antisemitism or support for extremism.
The latest memorandum adds to the administration’s growing scrutiny of programs used by international students to obtain work experience while studying in the United States, placing universities under greater pressure to ensure that such programs comply with federal rules.
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