US to change visa rules for foreign students, journalists

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that the United States will terminate an immigration policy that was adopted in 1978 by tightening the duration of stay for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists.

According to the amended, final rule issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 17, F, J or I non-immigrant visa holders will now be granted a fixed period of admission, for a maximum of four years. Traditionally, international students on F visas and exchange scholars on J visas were admitted to the United States with "Duration of Status (D/S)" marked on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, enabling them to enroll in courses and programs to avoid departure.

Under the new rule, graduate students may not change their educational objectives or transfer schools without authorization. The post-graduation grace period for visa holders is being reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

In addition, I visas for journalists will be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals.

DHS claimed the previous policy was "outdated" and had been "abused" to the extent of compromising "national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud".

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said "by implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders. This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home."

The policy shift has caused a lot of chaos and panic among international students and scholars, said Lihua He, an immigration attorney based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"We've received tons of calls and emails checking what can be done to maintain their lawful stay in America," He said.

Although students and scholars who remain in good academic standing are eligible to request additional time to complete their studies, programs, or appointments, nothing is guaranteed, explained He. "It creates uncertainty for the future of international students, and became an emotional burden for their families."

Jade Wen, who works at the international student services office in a community college in San Francisco, said she was flooded with messages from foreign students. "They are very concerned about deportation or removal from the United States if they can't finish their degree as scheduled," Wang said. "I have a Chinese student crying in front of me worrying about her future."

Russell Jeung, a professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University who started the Stop Anti-Asian Hate organization in 2021, said the Trump administration is intensifying its anti-immigration policy using national security or America First as excuses. Restrictive immigration policies are the extension of racial exclusion, he said.

Since his second term, Trump and his administration have increased scrutiny of legal immigration, revoking the student visas and permanent residency status of college students over their ideological views, and deporting hundreds of thousands of migrants.

To date, more than 1.1 million foreign students are pursuing their degrees in the US, besides 220,000 international scholars engaging in academic or cultural exchange programs.

The new rule is scheduled to take effect Sept 15, subject to congressional review.