The administration of United States President Donald Trump has finalised a new immigration rule limiting most foreign students and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years unless they obtain an extension from the Federal Government. The policy, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, replaces the long standing “duration of status” system, which allowed international students to remain in the United States for the length of their academic programmes provided they complied with visa conditions.
The new regulation applies to holders of F 1 student visas and J 1 exchange visitor visas. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the measure is intended to strengthen immigration enforcement and curb visa overstays. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the previous system had compromised national security and created opportunities for immigration fraud.
The policy has, however, drawn criticism from education stakeholders, who argue that many academic programmes extend beyond four years. The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that some bachelor’s degree programmes and most doctoral studies typically require more than the newly approved duration, meaning affected students would have to apply for extensions to complete their studies.
Reacting to the development, NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, described the policy as unnecessary, warning that it would create uncertainty and additional bureaucracy for international students. The latest rule comes as American colleges and universities continue to grapple with declining international student enrolment amid tighter immigration policies and visa restrictions.