Trump’s New Visa Plan Adds Fresh Barriers for Foreign Students and Workers in the US

The Trump administration has proposed limiting student, exchange, and media visas to fixed durations, sparking concerns over increased immigration barriers. Critics fear the move may harm America’s global appeal to students and professionals. A similar proposal in 2020 was withdrawn under Biden, but this revived version is now open for public comment.

The Trump administration has introduced a new visa proposal aimed at limiting the stay of international students, cultural exchange visitors, and foreign media workers in the United States. The proposed rule seeks to cap F, J, and I visas to a fixed duration, replacing the current system that allows visa holders to remain for the length of their academic or professional programs.

If implemented, student and exchange visitor visas would be restricted to a maximum of four years, while media visas would be capped at 240 days, with Chinese journalists allowed only 90 days. Visa holders would be required to apply for extensions, adding more bureaucratic steps to remain in the country.

This policy shift is part of a broader immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s second term, continuing his administration’s focus on reducing both legal and illegal immigration. Officials argue the change is essential to “better monitor” foreign nationals during their stay.

Critics, however, warn that the proposal could deter international students and professionals from coming to the US. In 2024 alone, over 1.6 million students held F visas, with an additional 355,000 cultural exchange visitors and 13,000 foreign journalists residing in the country. Experts believe that limiting visa duration may affect the US’s global reputation as a top destination for higher education and international collaboration.

The proposal is now open for a 30-day public comment period. It mirrors a similar attempt in 2020, which was later withdrawn by the Biden administration in 2021 after heavy opposition from education and civil rights groups.

Also Read: US, Russia Explore Energy Deals Amid Tariff Tensions With India Over Russian Oil Imports

With universities, research institutions, and media organizations likely to push back again, the debate over America’s stance on legal immigration continues to intensify as the 2026 elections approach.