On July 16 (Washington time), according to Xinhua, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would apply new regulations, limiting the length of stay of international students and participants in exchange programs in the US to a maximum of 4 years, unless approved for extension by the federal government.
According to new regulations, people holding F visas (for international students) and J visas (for academic, research and cultural exchange programs) will only be allowed to stay during the study program or exchange program, but not exceeding the 4-year term.
According to the DHS, the new regulation aims to end the "Duration of Status" (D/S) mechanism - a policy that has been applied by the US for nearly 50 years. Under this mechanism, international students are allowed to stay in the US as long as they continue to study legally and fully meet the conditions of the visa type, instead of being limited by a fixed length of stay.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the D/S mechanism has created loopholes in management, causing many cases of prolonged stay without regular supervision from functional agencies.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said that the system is no longer suitable.
For nearly half a century, this mechanism has weakened national security and facilitated immigration fraud," Mr. Mullin said.
He also accused thousands of foreign students of taking advantage of this policy to extend their stay in the US beyond their original purpose.
However, the DHS's decision immediately met with reactions from the education sector.
Ms. Fanta Aw, CEO and General Director of NAFSA - the American Association of International Educators - said this is an "unnecessary" change and will cause many consequences for the higher education environment.
According to Ms. Aw, the current system has been operating effectively for decades and the imposition of rigid time limits will increase administrative procedures, creating psychological instability for students as well as universities.
This decision sends a message that the United States is becoming less open, more unpredictable and less committed to attracting outstanding students and scholars from around the world," Ms. Aw said.
The new policy is considered one of the latest steps by the administration of US President Donald Trump to tighten immigration management, while strengthening supervision of foreigners staying in the US under study and exchange programs.
