NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a press release today that if the proposed rule is finalized, it would limit the duration (time limit) for some visa holders, including foreign students, to stay in the United States.
Foreign students have been allowed to enter the United States indefinitely under the ‘F’ visa since 1978. DHS said that unlike other visas, ‘F’ visa holders are allowed to stay in the United States indefinitely without any additional investigation.
“Previous administrations have long allowed foreign students and other visa holders to stay in the United States for almost an indefinite period, which has created a security risk,” a DHS spokesperson said. Taxpayers have suffered huge losses and American citizens have suffered losses.
According to the spokesperson, “This new proposed rule will put an end to this abuse forever by limiting the period of stay of certain visa holders in the US.”
Foreign media personnel can work in the US under the ‘I’ visa issued for five years, which can be extended multiple times. However, under the new rule, the initial period will be fixed at 240 days.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said that the Trump administration is also planning to change the H1B program and there will be a change in the green card process. The H1B visa is very popular among Indian IT professionals.
He said that the Trump administration is also going to change the green card process through which permanent residence in the US is provided. It is worth noting that this move has come amid ongoing tensions between the two countries due to the Trump administration imposing a 50 percent tariff on India.