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Proposed US Visa Changes Explained

Aline Barros

   WASHINGTON - The Trump administration has [1]proposed to eliminate
   "duration of status" on visas for international students, exchange
   visitors, and those working in international media. Officials are
   hoping to impose fixed end dates rather than allowing visas to be valid
   for as long as it takes them to get their degree or finish a research
   project.

   Currently, a holder of an F-1 visa can stay in the country until the
   student finishes a studies program or if the student keeps on meeting
   program requirements.

   The 256-page proposed rule released on Thursday by the U.S. Department
   of Homeland Security (DHS), would mandate 4-year expiration dates and
   afford two years to those taking language training, with limited
   ability to apply for an extension.

   How is "duration of status" currently defined?

   "Duration of status" means that instead of a fixed time limit, an
   international student is allowed to remain in the United States for as
   long as it takes to get their degree, as long as they take a full
   course load and do not violate immigration law, for example by working
   illegally.

   Who is affected by the proposed guideline?

   The rule would impact visa holders in the F, J, and I categories who
   are permitted to temporarily live in the U.S. to seek a higher
   education degree, individuals with unique skills, who are approved to
   participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs, and
   foreign journalists.

   According to DHS, nationals from countries linked to high rates of visa
   overstays - greater than 10% - are expected to have a limited two-year
   fixed stay period.

   Natives or citizens of countries on the [2]State Department Sponsor of
   Terrorism List would also be limited to 2 years stay in the U.S.

   What is DHS saying?

   DHS said the current duration of status policy, and the "significant
   increase" in the number of F-visa academic students, J exchange
   visitors, and I foreign media representatives, pose "a challenge to the
   Department's ability to effectively monitor and oversee these
   categories of non-immigrants."
   DHS adds, "The Department accordingly is concerned about the integrity
   of the programs and a potential for increased risk to national
   security."

   Online publication Inside Higher Ed reports an estimated 15 percent
   drop in overall student enrollment in the 2020-2021 academic year,
   including a 25% decline in international student enrollment. The
   findings could mean a loss of $23 billion in revenue for the U.S.
   economy.

References

   1. https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2020-20845.pdf
   2. https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/

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