Trump proposes to limit US stays of students, journalists

Trump proposes to limit US stays of students, journalists
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The Trump administration has proposed stricter limits on the length of stay for foreign students and journalists in the United States, Arab News reported. Under the new rule, student visas would be capped at four years, while foreign journalists would be limited to 240-day stays. This would end the current “duration of status” system, which allows visa holders to remain for the length of their educational program or assignment.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims the changes are necessary to prevent foreigners from becoming “‘forever’ students” and to enhance national security. However, critics, including a group representing U.S. colleges and universities, argue the move is a bureaucratic obstacle that could deter top international talent and diminish U.S. global competitiveness. In the 2023-24 academic year, the United States hosted over 1.1 million international students who contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy.

The proposal has been published in the Federal Register, opening a period for public comment before it can be finalized.