Trump Revives Visa Limits for Students, Journalists

The Trump administration has unveiled a bold plan to overhaul U.S. immigration policies, proposing strict limits on the duration of visas for foreign students and media personnel, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. This move, aimed at curbing what the administration calls “visa abuse,” threatens to upend the lives of thousands of international students and journalists, sparking widespread concern and debate.

Since 1978, foreign students holding F visas have enjoyed a “duration of status” policy, allowing them to stay in the U.S. indefinitely as long as they maintain enrollment in approved programs. However, the Trump administration argues this flexibility has been exploited, with some students becoming “forever students” by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid leaving. A DHS spokesperson criticized past administrations, stating, “For too long, foreign students and visa holders have remained in the U.S. virtually indefinitely, posing safety risks, burdening taxpayers, and disadvantaging American citizens.” The new rule seeks to end this practice by capping student and exchange visitor stays at the length of their program, with a maximum limit of four years.

For media personnel on I visas, currently valid for five years with multiple extensions, the proposed change is even more restrictive. The initial admission period would be slashed to 240 days, with a single extension of up to 240 days allowed, tied to the duration of their assignment. This shift requires all affected visa holders—students, exchange visitors, and media—to apply for extensions through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), subjecting them to regular DHS assessments and heightened scrutiny.

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This isn’t the first time such a proposal has surfaced. Initially introduced in 2020 during Trump’s first term, the rule was abandoned by the Biden administration in 2021 following backlash. Its revival signals a return to a hardline immigration stance, aligning with broader policy shifts. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently hinted at additional changes, announcing plans to reform the H1B visa program—popular among Indian IT professionals—and the Green Card process. “We’re going to change that program because it’s terrible,” Lutnick told Fox News on Tuesday, reflecting the administration’s intent to tighten legal immigration pathways.

The policy shift comes amid escalating tensions with India, exacerbated by new 50 percent tariffs on Indian oil imports from Russia, effective Wednesday. This economic friction could further complicate bilateral relations, especially as India relies heavily on H1B visas for its tech workforce. Critics argue the visa limits could deter international talent, harming U.S. universities and media industries that depend on global expertise. Meanwhile, supporters claim it will enhance national security and reduce economic strain.

The proposal has ignited a firestorm of reactions. Educational institutions worry about losing revenue from international students, while media organizations fear restricted coverage by foreign journalists. The public comment period is set to begin soon, with the administration inviting feedback before finalizing the rule. As the debate intensifies, the global community watches closely, with potential ripple effects on international education, journalism, and diplomatic ties looming large.

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