Trump Administration Implements Stricter Visa Policies for International Students in the US

The Trump administration in the United States has announced new stringent rules for international students. Under the new regulations, foreign students will not be allowed to stay in the US for more than four years without federal government approval. Additionally, there will be stricter restrictions on changes related to academic programs and transfers from one university to another. Currently, US higher education institutions have the authority to extend students’ visa periods.

These new regulations will take effect starting September. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the policy aims to “prevent visa abuse and strengthen national security through regular monitoring.” However, the Association of International Educators has criticized the new rules as “unnecessary and misguided directives.” Previously, F-1 and J-1 exchange visa holders were granted visas until they completed their degrees, but the new rules impose definite time limits within that period.

Homeland Security Secretary Marsha L. Malin stated, “For decades, international students were allowed to stay in the US indefinitely, resulting in thousands abusing our immigration system by enrolling continuously in various courses and remaining in the US indefinitely.”

According to the new policy, international students will have only 30 days to either return to their home countries or obtain another type of visa after graduation, compared to the previous 60-day grace period. The Association of International Educators (naFSA), a nonprofit organization that advises US educational institutions, has strongly criticized this change. Its CEO, Fanta Awale, commented, “The new policy has introduced uncertainty, staffing challenges, and fear into a system that has long operated effectively. This approach creates problems rather than resolving them.”