WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has unveiled a new proposal that would significantly change U.S. visa policy by placing time limits on the stay of international students, journalists, and cultural exchange visitors. The move, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to eliminate the long-standing “duration of status” framework and replace it with fixed admission periods.
Under the proposed rule, F visas for international students and J visas for exchange visitors would be limited to a maximum stay of four years. The rule also proposes to cap I visas for foreign journalists at 240 days, though extensions for additional 240-day periods would be possible. Chinese journalists, however, would be limited to a 90-day visa.
The DHS defended the proposed changes by arguing that foreign students have “forever taken advantage of the ‘US generosity'” and have become “forever students,” remaining in the country indefinitely without a fixed visa expiration date. A DHS spokesperson stated that this system “pose[s] safety risks, cost[s] untold amounts of taxpayer dollars, and disadvantage[s] US citizens.” The new rule, officials say, would allow for better oversight and monitoring of visa holders.
Potential Impact on Indian Students and Professionals
The new policy would have a significant impact on Indian nationals, who represent the largest group of international students in the U.S. As of 2024, there were over 422,000 active Indian students in the U.S., according to DHS data. While the four-year limit may align with the duration of most undergraduate and master’s degree programs, it could pose a challenge for doctoral students. Many PhD programs can last between four and eight years, which would require students to apply for costly and time-consuming extensions.
The DHS did not provide details on how international students harm the U.S. economy. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international students contributed over $50 billion to the American economy in 2023. Critics of the proposed rule, including international education organizations, argue that it creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and could deter top talent from choosing the U.S. for their education and careers.
The public has 30 days to comment on the proposed regulation before it can be finalized. This proposal is a revival of a similar plan introduced in 2020 by the previous Trump administration, which was later withdrawn by the Biden administration.