Administration Limits Foreign Students' Stay

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that a rule capping most visas for foreign students and exchange visitors at four years will take effect in September. That will end the long-standing practice of letting them last as long as an academic program plus post-graduation work authorization, the Wall Street Journal reports. Students in longer programs, such as six-year PhDs, would have to seek extensions midstream—and could be denied. The change also tightens the window after graduation to 30 days to leave, transfer, or change status, according to the final rule, down from 60.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin framed the shift as a way to prevent people from "perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave," saying fixed limits will help authorities better vet and track visa holders. His department conceded there are concerns that some students might not be able to finish their degrees, per the Washington Post. Opponents, including the American Council on Education, warn the rule could discourage international students—especially graduate and STEM applicants—and undercut the Optional Practical Training program that often feeds talent into Silicon Valley and Wall Street. The regulation reaches beyond campuses, per the Journal: Foreign journalists on I visas would see their stays largely capped at 240 days and Chinese media workers at 90.

Higher education officials have opposed the rule, arguing the change creates an administrative burden for schools, universities, and the federal government, per the AP. "This action is unnecessary and duplicative," said Zuzana Wootson of the nonprofit Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. "International students are already among the most closely monitored nonimmigrant populations in the US and are subject to rigorous oversight by DHS and academic institutions."