The Digest:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is set to review a proposal that would limit visa durations for students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives, replacing the longstanding “duration of status” policy. This proposed change aims to improve oversight but could impose new challenges for international residents.
Key Points:
- The current policy allows visa holders to stay as long as their academic or professional program lasts.
- The new proposal could limit stays to fixed periods, potentially 2-4 years.
- Affected visa types include F (student), J (exchange visitor), and I (foreign media).
- Critics argue the change would create bureaucratic obstacles for students and journalists.
- A missed deadline may now carry more severe consequences, such as bars on reentry.
- This proposal was inspired by a similar rule from the Trump administration, which faced legal challenges.
- The public will soon have the chance to submit comments on the new rule.
The proposed rule shift could alter the landscape for international students and professionals in the U.S., potentially complicating their stay and leading to new legal risks.
