The Trump administration has put forward a new proposal aimed at limiting the duration of stay for international students in the U.S. to four years. This initiative, set to be published soon, is part of efforts to address what officials describe as “visa abuse.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes that some foreign students have taken advantage of the system by remaining in the country as “forever students” to extend their stay.
A spokesperson from the DHS explained that previous administrations allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain indefinitely, which they argue has led to safety concerns, costs to taxpayers, and disadvantages for American citizens. The proposed rule aims to change this by establishing a clearer length of stay, making it easier for the government to manage and oversee foreign nationals studying in the U.S.
Currently, foreign students, holding F visas, can stay in the U.S. for as long as they are enrolled in a full-time program. Under the new proposal, they would be allowed to stay only for the duration of their studies, capped at four years. This duration is shorter than the typical time needed for advanced degrees beyond a bachelor’s.
In addition to students, the proposal also affects foreign journalists, who would have an initial stay of up to 240 days with the possibility of a further extension, contingent on the length of their assignments.
Regular assessments by the DHS would be required for foreigners seeking to remain longer, which the agency believes will ensure better oversight and a reduction in the number of people on temporary visas.
While this rule might address concerns about visa misuse, critics warn it could discourage international students from coming to the U.S., potentially hurting American colleges and the economy. They argue this could result in fewer international students, which would affect tuition revenue and limit innovation.
Overall, the proposed rule represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy regarding foreign students, aiming for increased accountability and a more structured approach to managing international educational exchanges.
