Major Higher Education Associations File Lawsuit Against ICE Over New Curricular Practical Training Restrictions

Four prominent higher education organizations have jointly sued U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over new policy guidance that significantly limits Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students. The lawsuit, filed on October 5, 2026, challenges the abrupt changes to a long-standing federal policy, arguing it impacts students and campuses and has long-term consequences for U.S. research and workforce development. The restrictive guidance remains active pending a court decision.