Trump Administration Proposes Limits on Student and Media Visas
NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has proposed new rules to limit the duration of visas for foreign students and media personnel in the US, citing concerns over visa abuse and illegal immigration.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a press release that, if finalized, the rule would restrict the length of stay for certain visa holders, including foreign students.
“For too long, foreign students and other visa holders have been allowed to remain in the US virtually indefinitely, creating safety risks, burdening taxpayers, and disadvantaging US citizens,” a DHS spokesperson said. “This proposed rule would end that practice by limiting the time certain visa holders can remain in the country.”
Since 1978, foreign students (F visa holders) have been admitted under a “duration of status” system, allowing them to stay indefinitely without further screening. DHS argued that some students have exploited this policy to remain in the US indefinitely while enrolled in higher education programs.
Under the proposed rule, the federal government would set specific admission and extension periods for foreign students and exchange visitors based on the length of their program, with a maximum stay of four years.
For foreign media personnel on I visas—typically valid for five years and extendable—the rule would set an initial stay of up to 240 days, with extensions allowed for up to 240 days or the duration of their assignment.
The proposal also requires all foreign students, exchange visitors, and media personnel to apply for authorization from US Citizenship and Immigration Services if they wish to extend their stay, enabling regular DHS assessments.
This rule was first introduced by the Trump administration in 2020 but was withdrawn by the Biden administration in 2021.
