US tightens visa rules for foreign students, journalists

The Trump administration has tightened visa regulations for international students, exchange visitors and journalists, imposing new restrictions on how long they can stay in the United States. The move, announced on Thursday, is set to affect thousands of foreign nationals currently in the country or planning to travel there.

New visa duration limits

Under the revised rules, international students and exchange visitors will no longer be granted visas that allow them to stay for the entire duration of their academic program. Instead, they will need to apply for extensions more frequently.

Journalists, too, face drastic changes. Foreign journalists will now have their visas limited to a maximum of 90 days, with the possibility of extensions only in specific cases. The previous system allowed journalists to stay for the duration of their assignment, often extending to several years.

Critics argue that this will severely hamper reporting from the US, particularly for journalists covering long-term political, economic or cultural stories.

Impact on researchers and PhD students

Experts have expressed concern over how the new rules will affect PhD students and researchers. The Times of India reported that academics are questioning whether doctoral candidates can complete their courses within four years, the new standard visa validity period.

Many PhD programs in the US typically take five to seven years to complete. Forcing students to renew their visas midway through their research could lead to disruptions in their work and added financial burdens.

A senior researcher at a US university, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the policy effectively ends the long-term research partnerships that American institutions have built with foreign scholars.

Broader immigration crackdown

The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls. Since taking office, the administration has introduced several measures aimed at reducing both legal and illegal immigration.

Critics of the new policy say it will damage the US's reputation as a destination for global talent. International students contributed over $45 billion to the US economy in the last academic year, according to data from the US Department of Commerce.

Universities have warned that the restrictions could lead to a drop in foreign enrolments, affecting both revenue and academic diversity.

What happens next

The new visa regulations are expected to take effect within the next 90 days. Legal challenges from civil liberties groups and university associations are anticipated. The State Department has not yet clarified whether existing visa holders will be affected or if the rules apply only to new applicants.