The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to limit the validity period of visas for international students and journalists.
DHS announced the proposal in a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 27.
Persecondnews reports that under the proposed rule, F visas for foreign students would be limited to a maximum duration of four years, with the possibility of extensions requiring additional vetting through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This move aims to curb visa abuse and enhance oversight, but critics argue it could discourage international talent from choosing the US for education and research.
Currently, students are granted visas for the full duration of their academic programmes, which in the case of doctoral degrees, can be longer than five years.
For foreign media professionals, DHS said the visa would be valid for 240 days, with the possibility of an additional 240-day extension.
However, journalists’ visas would not be allowed to exceed the duration of their assignments.
Any extensions would require applications through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), triggering additional security checks.
Persecondnews reports that in the past, journalists from countries such as Germany have been granted visas valid for up to five years.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the US virtually indefinitely,” the DHS stated.
It added that this practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.
The proposed changes aimed to prevent visa abuse and allow for better oversight. However, the proposal drew immediate criticism from the US higher education community.
Miriam Feldblum, President/CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned that the new rules would impose unnecessary burdens on students and institutions.
“The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,” Feldblum said.
She added that the uncertainty could deter international talent from choosing the US for their education and research.
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