US to limit duration of stay for foreign students and journalists

Foreign nationals with student visas will be allowed to remain in the US only for the duration of their study programs, with a maximum limit of four years. Foreign journalists will be restricted to stays of 240 days, approximately eight months, with the possibility of requesting renewals for identical periods, up to a cumulative maximum of four years. These new regulations are set to take effect in two months, unless blocked by Congress.

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated that for decades, foreign students have been admitted for an indefinite period, allowing many to "abuse our immigration system by constantly enrolling in courses to avoid having to leave US territory." He added that by imposing clear limits, the US is "regaining control of its ability to properly control, verify, and monitor people present on its territory." Previously, the US granted visas for the duration of a student's program without restrictions and up to five years, renewable, for foreign journalists.

This measure will impact journalists and correspondents from hundreds of foreign media outlets in the United States. The proposal, made last summer, led to a consultation phase, during which about a hundred international media organizations and press bodies stated in an open letter that it would "diminish the quantity and quality of coverage" of