Trump plans stricter visa rules for students and journalists

The Trump administration is proposing new visa rules that could significantly shorten the stay of students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists in the U.S.

Unlike the current system, which allows stays for the duration of studies, programmes, or employment, the new rule would require visa holders to apply for extensions after their initial stay.

The proposed regulation would create a fixed time period for F visas for international students, J visas that allow visitors on cultural exchange programs to work in the U.S., and I visas for members of the media. Those visas are currently available for the duration of the programme or U.S.-based employment. 

The proposed changes would limit student and exchange visas to four years, while journalist visas would be capped at 240 days, and only 90 days for Chinese nationals.

The administration says the move is meant to improve oversight, but critics argue it adds unnecessary hurdles.

China's foreign ministry, asked about the proposed new rule for Chinese journalists on Thursday, said it opposed "the discriminatory practices adopted by the U.S. against specific countries".

A similar proposal introduced in 2020 was later withdrawn by the Biden administration.

The latest plan comes as Trump intensifies his crackdown on legal immigration, including revoking visas and increasing background checks.

The public will have 30 days to submit comments on the proposal.

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