India, Oct. 8 -- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday made a proposal to charge American universities a $70,000 fee for every international student they nominate to work in the US, as part of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

The OPT program presently allows thousands of foreign graduates of US universities to work in America for a period of 12 months, which can be extended by a further 24 months for graduates of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. According to the proposed rule, a further $30,000 fee would be levied on universities for any student seeking a subsequent OPT period, which includes the 24-month STEM extension.

The DHS has defended the proposed rule, which will...