Washington, Aug 29: The US government is preparing new visa rules targeting foreign students, cultural exchange participants, and journalists, which would limit the duration of their stay in America.

According to a proposal published by the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday, the Trump administration plans to restrict the visa period of foreign students to a maximum of four years, the BBC reported.

The Homeland Security Department said in a statement, “The Trump administration has announced a proposed rule that will reduce the length of stay for certain visa holders, including foreign students. This rule aims to prevent visa misuse and strengthen the department’s ability to properly vet and monitor such individuals.”

As per the draft, foreign students on “F” visas and cultural exchange participants on “J” visas would be allowed a maximum stay of four years. Similarly, foreign journalists holding “I” visas would be limited to 240 days, though extensions could be granted later.

Currently, students are allowed to remain in the US under “duration of status,” meaning they can stay until they complete their academic program. After graduation, many people move to H-1B visas through the OPT program. The Trump administration also seeks to restrict this pathway.

People’s News Monitoring Service