A major policy shift under consideration
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a significant change to visa rules affecting foreign students and international journalists. If implemented, the measure would restrict how long these groups are allowed to stay in the country, ending decades of open-ended residency tied to their academic or professional activities.
According to DHS, the proposed adjustment is aimed at tightening oversight of visa categories and addressing concerns about potential misuse. The department argues that unlimited stays granted under current rules have created opportunities for abuse, while also placing pressure on immigration authorities and US citizens.
Four-year maximum for student visas
One of the most notable aspects of the proposal relates to F-category visas, which are issued to foreign students. Since 1978, holders of this visa have been permitted to remain in the US for as long as they continue their studies, without a fixed time cap.
Under the new proposal, students would only be allowed to stay for the official length of their study program. Earlier, the US also lifted a ban on foreign students while introducing social media screening in visa applications. However, even in cases of longer degrees or research projects, the maximum stay would be capped at four years.
The change marks a clear departure from the “duration of status” model that has governed US student visas for over four decades.
Journalists also face tighter controls
The proposed restrictions do not stop at students. DHS has also suggested limiting the duration of visas granted to international media representatives. Foreign correspondents, editors, and other media professionals would need to go through regular reviews and re-authorization processes in order to maintain legal status.
The department says this is necessary to prevent “overstays” and to ensure that foreign nationals working in sensitive roles are continuously vetted.
Background: a revived Trump-era proposal
This is not the first time such measures have been considered. A similar proposal was introduced in 2020 by the Trump administration. At the time, the policy was criticized by universities, press freedom groups, and immigration advocates.
When President Joe Biden took office in 2021, his administration quickly reversed the plan, citing its potential to damage America’s global reputation as a destination for education and free press.
Now, with Donald Trump back in the White House, the proposal has resurfaced as part of a broader immigration agenda. If approved, it could affect hundreds of thousands of international students and foreign journalists currently residing in the United States.
Concerns from universities and media groups
Universities across the US host nearly one million international students each year, according to the Institute of International Education. These students contribute billions of dollars to the US economy and play a vital role in research and innovation.
Higher education leaders warn that stricter visa limits could discourage talented students from choosing American universities. Competing countries such as Canada, Australia, and the UK already provide more stable study visa options.
Media advocacy organizations are also watching closely. International journalists working in the US provide vital reporting for global audiences. Any uncertainty over visa renewals, critics say, could undermine press freedom and restrict the flow of information.
What happens next?
The proposal is still in the review stage and has not yet been finalized. DHS has indicated that it will invite public feedback before moving forward. However, given the Trump administration’s broader stance on immigration, observers expect the plan to advance quickly.
If implemented, the change would mean that thousands of foreign students and journalists will face shorter stays, stricter scrutiny, and the possibility of frequent visa renewals.
For now, universities, advocacy groups, and affected individuals are waiting to see whether the measure becomes law — and how it might reshape the landscape of education and journalism in the United States.
