Last week, Joseph Edlow was appointed as the new Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This news has sparked renewed anxiety in the international student community — especially among those in STEM fields on F1 visas, OPT, and CPT. But who is Edlow, what does he stand for, and what power does he actually have? Should you be worried?
In this blog, we’ll break down:
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Who is Joseph Edlow
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What USCIS does and how it interacts with ICE and SEVP
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What changes he might bring (and which ones he can’t)
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What international students need to know to protect themselves
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And what your rights are in the face of sudden policy changes
Who Is Joseph Edlow?
Joseph Edlow is an immigration attorney and former Trump-era USCIS Deputy Director who has long championed a strict interpretation of immigration law. He is known for his hardline stance on limiting immigration benefits — even for legal immigrants like international students and H1B workers.
In his previous roles, Edlow supported:
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Reducing the availability of work-based visas (like H1B)
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Increasing scrutiny on OPT and CPT programs
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Rolling back policies that he viewed as “loopholes” for long-term stay
He has publicly criticized CPT and OPT programs and questioned the practical training system that gives international students work authorization while studying or after graduation.
USCIS vs. ICE vs. SEVP: Who Does What?
To understand what Edlow can and cannot do, let’s clarify the roles of these key agencies:
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
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Processes F1 visas, OPT work authorization, H1B, and change of status applications.
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Decides whether to approve your I-20 extensions, STEM OPT, and COS requests.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
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Enforces immigration laws on the ground.
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Can detain or deport international students if they violate visa conditions.
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Oversees SEVP through its Homeland Security Investigations division.
SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
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Manages the SEVIS database, tracking every F1 student’s status.
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Works with schools to ensure compliance with visa requirements.
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Technically under ICE, but focused on policy and compliance, not enforcement.
While these three agencies are linked, they operate differently — and only USCIS processes your visa and OPT/CPT work permissions.
Can Joseph Edlow Change OPT or CPT Rules?
Short answer: Not directly, not easily, and not alone.
As USCIS Director, Edlow can propose new rules, issue guidance memos, and tighten internal policy interpretation, but he cannot unilaterally:
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Eliminate OPT or CPT
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Ban Day 1 CPT programs
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Deport students
Major changes must go through public comment, legal review, and sometimes Congress. However, USCIS can make life harder by:
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Delaying OPT/STEM extensions
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Increasing Request for Evidence (RFEs)
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Scrutinizing CPT letters or COS applications
This is where his appointment matters — not because he can rewrite the law overnight, but because his leadership may signal stricter enforcement and narrower interpretations.
Remember the 2025 SEVP Cancellation Scare? That Was ICE — and Many Actions Were Unlawful.
Earlier this year, ICE issued guidance pressuring students to leave the U.S. if they were attending online-only classes. Many universities panicked. Some students self-deported, thinking they were out of status.
But here's the truth:
🔹 ICE had no legal basis to force “self-deportation.”
🔹 The guidance was challenged in court and withdrawn.
🔹 Many students who stayed and waited were fine.
Lesson learned: Stay calm. Get facts. Don’t rush decisions based on fear or rumor. Agencies overstep — and they can be challenged.
Practical Advice for Indian STEM Students
As Indian international students in the U.S. — particularly those in STEM fields — you do have options and rights. Here's how to protect yourself under the new USCIS leadership:
1. Know Your Rights
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You cannot be deported for being in a valid grace period or while a timely filed OPT/COS application is pending.
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ICE cannot show up without cause — and universities must notify you of status issues.
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You have the right to legal counsel if you’re facing visa issues.
2. Keep Records of Everything
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I-20s, CPT approvals, job offers, transcripts, and SEVIS updates.
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Document your work hours and employer info — especially during OPT and STEM OPT.
3. Don't Self-Deport Without Consulting a Lawyer
Many students left the U.S. unnecessarily during past crackdowns. Always seek legal advice before making major decisions.
4. Stay Enrolled and Communicate with Your DSO
Your DSO (Designated School Official) is your first line of defense. They can update your SEVIS record and help avoid violations.
5. Consider Backup Options
If you’re on OPT and didn’t get selected in the H1B lottery:
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Look into CPT programs that allow continued legal work while studying.
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Choose schools that are SEVP-certified, regional accredidated and experienced with F1 transitions.
Final Thoughts
Joseph Edlow’s appointment as USCIS Director is a reminder that U.S. immigration policy remains unpredictable. But don’t panic — know the facts, protect your documents, and consult trusted advisors.
At CPTDog, we help international students navigate these shifts and make informed choices — whether that means understanding OPT/STEM timelines, evaluating CPT programs, or planning a secure path toward an H1B or green card.
Stay informed. Stay legal. Stay empowered.
Disclaimer:
The content shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The editor is not a licensed attorney. All information provided is based on our experience working in the international education field and insights shared by students we’ve supported over the years.
If you are seeking legal advice regarding your immigration status or related matters, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney. We work with experienced immigration lawyers who have successfully assisted international students in the past. If you need help connecting with one, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to make an introduction.