U.S. Catholic Bishops Urge ICE to Exempt Foreign Seminarians From $70,000 OPT Fee
Washington — William J. Quinn, general counsel of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Anna Gallagher, executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, have written to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reconsider its proposed $70,000 OPT fee and to grant a full exemption or fee reduction for foreign seminarians. ICE "seems to have completely failed to consider the unique circumstances of those preparing for religious service," the letter said, noting that seminaries are certified institutions under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Under the proposed rule published by the Department of Homeland Security on October 8, a school must pay $70,000 before issuing its first recommendation for a student's post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and $30,000 for each subsequent recommendation, and may pass the cost on to students or employers; the public comment period closed on November 9 and the rule has not taken effect.
Related: California Attorney General Leads Multistate Coalition Against OPT Rule
Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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