Trump Administration Introduces Stricter Visa Rules for International Students in US

The Trump administration has finalized plans to implement stricter rules for international students in the United States. The new policy, set to take effect in September, aims to curb visa abuse and strengthen national security through regular vetting, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Under the current system, higher education institutions have the authority to grant visa extensions to international students. However, the new rules will limit the duration of stay for international students to four years, unless they obtain permission from the federal government. The policy will also restrict the ability of international students to switch programs and transfer between universities and colleges. The Association of International Educators has criticized the new rules, describing them as 'misguided and unnecessary.' The association's chief executive, Fanta Aw, stated that the new policy 'brings uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has worked effectively for a long time.' The new rules will also reduce the grace period for international students to pack up and leave the US after graduation or change to a different visa category from 60 days to 30 days. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin explained that the new rules are necessary because 'for decades, we have admitted foreign students to the US indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by continually registering in courses to avoid leaving the US.' The new policy is part of a broader approach by the Trump administration to reduce the number of international students and restrict immigration to the US. The administration has taken steps to limit the number of international students at elite colleges and has withdrawn the visas of students who are critical of US foreign policy.