The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will impose time limits on the duration of stay for those entering the country on certain non-immigrant visas, primarily foreign students.
elchi reports that, according to the Department’s written statement, a final rule has been established regarding the duration of stay for those entering the U.S. on F (students), J (cultural exchange program participants), and I (foreign journalists) non-immigrant visas. Provisions that allowed these individuals to remain in the U.S. “without regular government oversight” under the old system have been removed, and a specific time limit has been imposed.
According to the new rule, visa holders arriving for student or exchange programs may remain in the country for the duration of their current program, provided that this period does not exceed 4 years. On the other hand, visa holders who need additional time to complete their academic programs may request an extension from federal authorities.
The rules will be officially published in the coming days and will enter into force within 60 days from the date of publication. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated in his announcement, “For years, foreign students were admitted to the U.S. for an indefinite period, which allowed thousands of people to abuse our immigration system by continuously enrolling in classes to avoid leaving the U.S.”
Mullin stated that with the new restrictions on visa durations, they have restored the ability to “effectively screen, vet, and monitor” foreigners in the U.S.
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