The United States Government has unveiled a proposal to cut the validity period of visas for international students and foreign journalists.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), F visas for students would now be capped at a maximum of four years.
“For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,” DHS said. “This practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.”
Currently, student visas usually last the full duration of an academic program. This means doctoral candidates, whose studies can stretch beyond five years, would be most affected by the new rule.
Visa Impact on Journalists
For international media professionals, visas would be limited to 240 days, with the option of a single extension for another 240 days. The new rule also states that journalists’ visas cannot exceed the length of their assignments.
Any request for extension would have to pass through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which comes with additional background checks. Previously, journalists from countries such as Germany could receive visas lasting up to five years.
The DHS explained that the policy shift is meant to curb visa abuse and tighten oversight.
Universities Push Back
The proposal has already stirred opposition across the U.S. higher education sector. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned the move could destabilise universities.
“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 discourage bright minds from choosing U.S. schools for their studies and research.
Many American universities rely heavily on international students, who contribute billions of dollars annually to the economy through tuition and living expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, foreign students added over $40 billion to the American economy in recent years.
So, some analysts have asked if these stricter visa timelines could weaken the U.S.’s ability to remain a global hub for higher education, in the face of stiff competition from Europe and China? Express your views in the comments section.
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