The U.S. will shorten the validity period of visas for students and journalists
18 July 21:15
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established new time limits for staying in the United States on F visas for international students, J visas for participants in cultural exchange programs, and I visas for media representatives. This decision was announced recently, according to "Komersant Ukrainian", citing DW.
Under the new rules introduced by the Donald Trump administration, international students and exchange program participants will be allowed to stay in the U.S. for no longer than four years. Visas for journalists will be issued for up to 240 days for citizens of all countries and up to 90 days for Chinese citizens. The grace period for students to leave the country or transfer to another educational institution after completing their studies will also be reduced—from 60 to 30 days.
In addition, students will be admitted to the country only for the duration of their studies at a university, but for no more than four years.
“Since 1978, foreign students have been able to enter the U.S. for an indefinite period, which allowed thousands of people to become ‘perpetual students,’ constantly enrolling in courses to avoid leaving the country. This final rule puts an end to such abuses of student visas…,” the statement reads.
China Criticizes the Trump Administration’s Decision
On Friday, July 17, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the change in visa policy regarding Chinese journalists a “discriminatory” move.
“This measure seriously violates the three-point consensus on media issues reached between China and the U.S. in 2021 and seriously affects the normal operations of Chinese media in the U.S.,” said Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that Beijing reserves the right to take countermeasures in response.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
