Story perspectives

Trump Memo Orders Universities to Tighten CPT Authorizations

8/28/2026

Center

Trump Limits CPT

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued an August 24 memo directing universities to restrict Curricular Practical Training authorizations, warning non-compliance could cause loss of certification.
The Justice Department alleged that George Washington University School of Medicine’s admissions favored Black and Hispanic applicants.
ICE reported a rise in CPT authorizations that fail the curriculum-integral rule.
UCLA and UC Berkeley paused many CPT requests, though Berkeley kept processing degree-requirement cases.

Left

Trump Limits CPT

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued an August 24 memo directing universities to restrict Curricular Practical Training authorizations, warning non-compliance could cause certification loss.
Rights groups warned the administration’s broader campaign against universities could undermine free speech, academic freedom, and due-process protections.
UCLA and UC Berkeley paused processing many CPT applications while reviewing the federal guidance.
Canada announced hiring dozens of U.S. researchers, citing the crackdown on students and equity programs.

Blindspot

ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program reported a rise in Curricular Practical Training authorizations that violate the rule requiring training to be integral to the curriculum.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

1 of 3

Trump Limits CPT

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued an August 24 memo directing universities to restrict Curricular Practical Training authorizations, warning non-compliance could cause loss of certification.
The Justice Department alleged that George Washington University School of Medicine’s admissions favored Black and Hispanic applicants.
ICE reported a rise in CPT authorizations that fail the curriculum-integral rule.
UCLA and UC Berkeley paused many CPT requests, though Berkeley kept processing degree-requirement cases.

1 / 3