US to Change Visa Rules for Foreign Students, Journalists

The United States is set to implement stricter visa regulations for international students, participants in cultural exchange programs, and foreign journalists. The Department of Homeland Security's new rule establishes fixed durations for F visas (students), J visas (exchange visitors), and I visas (media). Previously available for the duration of study or employment, these visas will now be capped. Student and exchange visitor visas will be limited to a maximum of four years, while journalist visas will be valid for up to 240 days, with a specific 90-day limit for Chinese nationals.

“

discriminatory

This policy shift is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by the Trump administration. The administration has intensified scrutiny on legal immigration pathways, previously revoking visas and green cards based on ideological views and removing legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants. The latest regulations are expected to create new obstacles for international students, exchange workers, and foreign media personnel operating in the U.S.

“

seriously violates the three-point consensus on media issues reached between China and the US in 2021, and seriously affects the normal work of Chinese media in the US

China has strongly criticized the new visa policy, labeling it "discriminatory." Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the action "seriously violates the three-point consensus on media issues reached between China and the U.S. in 2021" and "seriously affects the normal work of Chinese media in the U.S." Beijing has reserved the right to implement reciprocal countermeasures.

“

Most Americans understand the value of welcoming international students and getting rid of needless red tape. This rule would do the opposite.

Critics argue the new rules lack a solid legal foundation. Doug Rand, a former DHS official, suggested the rule would hinder the welcoming of international students. David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, questioned the restrictions on study and transfers, noting that students might have only 30 days after completing their degrees to secure employer sponsorship or face becoming undocumented immigrants. The regulations also shorten the post-completion grace period for students from 60 to 30 days and prohibit graduate students from changing their educational objectives or transferring schools without authorization.

“

International students, many of whom will have spent years in the USA, will now have just 30 days to find an employer to sponsor them or immediately be turned into illegal immigrants. Have these people no understanding of how life works?