On August 28, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will announce a proposal to limit the length of stay of international students and participants in the exchange program. Accordingly, they are only allowed to stay for the duration of the course but not more than 4 years.
Since 1978, international students with an F visa can stay in the US under the "term of stay" category, as long as they maintain full-time study. The DHS believes that this system has been taken advantage of, turning many people into permanent students. A DHS spokesperson emphasized that the new regulation aims to end abuse, reduce the burden of supervision and ensure security.
If approved, DHS will conduct regular assessments when international students request an extension. The regulation also applies to foreign journalists, with an initial receipt period of maximum 240 days, who can request an extension but not exceeding their working term.
This move immediately received backlash from educational institutions. Ms. Miriam Feldblum - President and CEO of the American Principals' Union - said: " international students need to be guaranteed study time in line with the training program". She warned that the new policy could undermine the ability to attract talent and reduce the global competitiveness of US schools.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Fanta aw aw aw - Executive Director of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA, USA) - said that this regulation will discourage many students when choosing the US as their destination, thereby negatively affecting the economy, innovation and global position.
In the 2023-2024 school year, the US will receive more than 1.1 million international students, more than any other country, bringing in a significant source of income for the economy. Therefore, tightening accommodation regulations risks having a direct impact on the long-term interests of the United States in education and development.
