The Trump administration announced on Thursday that the United States will terminate an immigration policy that was adopted in 1978 by tightening the duration of stay for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists.
According to the amended, final rule issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 17, F, J or I non-immigrant visa holders will now be granted a fixed period of admission, for a maximum of four years. Traditionally, international students on F visas and exchange scholars on J visas were admitted to the United States with "Duration of Status (D/S)" marked on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, enabling them to enroll in courses and programs to avoid departure.
Under the new rule, graduate students may not change their educational objectives or transfer schools without authorization. The post-graduation grace period for visa holders is being reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
In addition, I visas for journalists will be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals.
DHS claimed the previous policy was "outdated" and had been "abused" to the extent of compromising "national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud".
