October 29, 2026: Immigration News for International Students in the US
Coming up on November 1...Dave Obelkevich will be running his 50th New York City Marathon.
Who is Dave? Well...Dave is 83-years-old.
Yep. An 83-year-old is running...for six miles...this coming Sunday. He holds the record for the longest streak of running the race and the most finishes. He's already finished 115 marathons and 200 ultramarathons.
(click image to watch video)
So...what has he learned after all that running?
You don't have to be the fastest to accomplish something extraordinary. Sometimes, success simply means showing up and putting one foot in front of the other.
He said, "Just keep moving."
Well said, Dave. We're going to keep moving!
Let's move on to the latest headlines for international students this week:
📰 Top Headlines:
A proposed $100,000 OPT fee is drawing backlash from students and universities...and there's still time to weigh in.
A Chinese graduate student is accused of poisoning a fellow researcher's tea before attempting to flee the country.
Thousands are speaking out against proposed OPT and H-1B fees...but will the government listen?
🎓 Featured Scholarship (it's back!): NVIDIA is offering up to $60,000 to support Ph.D. students working in AI and related fields...but the deadline is just days away!
🔎 Interesting Find: Flying home for the holidays? Airfare has reached a 10-year high...but a few smart choices could save you hundreds.
🌎 Immigration Corner Deep Dive: Americans head to the polls November 3 with control of Congress on the line...but why does the U.S. have only two major political parties when so many other countries have more?
🏃,
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐info@istudentvoice.com
Best Links for International Students
Immigration News for International Students in the US
📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK: Immigration news for international students in the US
💰 A $100,000 Price Tag on OPT? Students and Universities Push Back
The Trump administration's proposal to charge universities $70,000 for an initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation and another $30,000 for extensions is drawing growing criticism from international education leaders. The Department of Homeland Security says the fees would help prevent fraud and protect American workers, but critics warn they could make post-graduation work experience unaffordable for most international students. University officials say they cannot absorb these costs, meaning students or employers would likely end up paying the bill. The proposal is also creating uncertainty among prospective students, particularly those relying on education loans and hoping to work in the U.S. after graduation, although some families remain committed to American universities. Advocates warn the fees could discourage international talent from coming to the U.S. and weaken the country's competitiveness. As of October 18, the proposed $100,000 in OPT fees had attracted more than 2,000 comments on the government's website. Individuals still have until November 9 to submit public comments before a final decision is made. (The PIE News | The PIE News) Yes...both sources are from the PIE.
📣 Thousands Speak Out Against Proposed H-1B Fee Hikes
It's not just about OPT...there was significant pushback from international students, graduates, and employers about the proposed H-1B fee increase. Thousands of public comments poured into U.S. government website. The proposal to charge employers $103,265 for certain new H-1B petitions received roughly 11,700 comments. Critics argue the fees would create major financial barriers for international graduates and employers, while supporters say higher fees could help protect American workers and discourage visa abuse. The H-1B proposal's public comment period has closed, so we will see what happens. Even though the process must allow the public to comment, the government is not required to adopt the recommendations it receives. (The Star)
☕ Graduate Student Accused of Poisoning Fellow Researcher's Tea, Then Trying to Flee to China
A Chinese graduate student at the University of Wyoming has been arrested after allegedly poisoning a fellow international student's tea with a toxic chemical and attempting to flee the country. Aili Wang, 32, is accused of putting acrylamide, a dangerous neurotoxin, into a coffee maker used by Kiet Tran, a Vietnamese doctoral student conducting research on treatments for cancer and other diseases. After Tran began experiencing numbness, weakness, and other unexplained symptoms, his wife worked with university researchers to test the water and uncover the suspected poisoning. Campus surveillance footage allegedly showed Wang handling Tran's research notebooks and tampering with his mug, while investigators discovered that she had purchased the chemical online. Authorities arrested Wang at Los Angeles International Airport on October 6, and she now faces felony assault charges, with prosecutors suggesting professional jealousy may have played a role. Tran continues to experience serious health problems, and his full recovery remains uncertain. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
🤖 Featured Grant: NVIDIA Offering $60,000 in Funding
If you're a Ph.D. student working on artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, or related fields, this opportunity is worth a look. The NVIDIA Graduate Fellowship Program offers up to $60,000 in funding to support doctoral students conducting innovative research. This is an exciting opportunity for researchers looking to advance their work with support from one of the biggest names in AI. Make sure to read all the details - deadline is Oct. 30! (NVIDIA)
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
✈️ Flying Home for the Holidays? Might Want to Book That Flight Like...This Weekend
If you're planning to travel over Thanksgiving or winter break, you might want to book that flight sooner rather than later. According to travel app Hopper, holiday airfare has reached a 10-year high, with average domestic round-trip tickets up 31% for Thanksgiving and 23% for Christmas compared to last year. International flights are also getting more expensive, especially to destinations in Europe, Mexico, and Central America. The good news? Being flexible with your travel dates could save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you avoid busy weekends. Hopper recommends booking before Halloween (October 31), so if you haven't made your holiday travel plans yet, now might be the time! (Yahoo Travel)
News in 1 Sentence
International graduates are projected to contribute $1.7 trillion to the economies of their host countries over their lifetimes, highlighting the long-term economic value of international education beyond tuition revenue.
A Northwestern University graduate on an F-1 visa was detained by ICE while boarding a domestic flight in Seattle, despite reportedly having a pending asylum application, after authorities said he had overstayed his authorized stay in the U.S.
Some U.S. universities are pausing or restricting Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for international students amid uncertainty over federal immigration policy changes, potentially disrupting internships and other work-based learning opportunities.
A Cambridge University business professor argues that business schools should be abolished and replaced with programs focused on social responsibility, claiming traditional MBA programs prioritize profits and high-paying careers over ethical leadership and the public good.
The University of Delaware is helping international student-athletes prepare for life after sports through its Accelerate U program, which offers career development, professional networking, and opportunities to build skills beyond athletics.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Why Does America Only Have Two Political Parties?
Even though many readers can't vote, you probably noticed all of the crazy political ads everywhere...yeah. The midterms are coming up on November 3.
Unlike presidential elections, which happens every four years, midterm elections take place halfway through a president's term. And the results could have a major impact on what the Trump Administration can accomplish during the remainder of President Trump's term.
Control of Congress is at stake. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and roughly 1/3 of the Senate are up for grabs. If Democrats gain control of either one, they could have more power to challenge the President's agenda. If Republicans keep control of both, they could have an easier path to advance their priorities.
But depending on who you ask, many people are fed up with both parties.
Which might have you asking...why the heck are there only two choices: Democrats or Republicans?
Depending on your home country, your government might have several parties.
I found a video incredibly helpful to explain why the U.S. only has two major political parties ...it's definitely worth watching / listening ...to better understand how we got here.
And even though only U.S. citizens who are 18+ can vote, those who are elected are the ones making all the changes that could affect you as an international student.
So watching this and having a better understanding is also helpful - you can advocate to your citizen-friends before they cast their ballots :)
SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE!
Disclaimer: International Student Voice is not an immigration attorney or immigration advisor. The purpose of this newsletter is strictly educational. Always consult with qualified legal counsel for advice specific to your situation.
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