The Trump administration has finalized a rule that will restrict international students to a maximum stay of four years in the United States unless they receive approval from the federal government. The Department of Homeland Security announced the change on Thursday, marking a significant departure from previous regulations that allowed students to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic programs, regardless of length.
The rule, set to take effect in September, also introduces new limitations on when and how students can change their academic majors or programs. Current policies offer students considerably more flexibility.
Higher education leaders have voiced opposition to the new rule, citing concerns about increased administrative burdens for educational institutions and the federal government. Zuzana Wootson, deputy director of federal policy at the nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, stated that the action is unnecessary and redundant, as international students are already subject to extensive oversight.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin described the rule as an effort to address a loophole that some international students allegedly exploited by prolonging their studies. "By implementing clear, finite limits on these visas, the United States is reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders," Mullin said. "This final rule ensures that foreign students remain focused on their primary purpose: completing their studies and returning home."
This regulation is the latest in a series of measures by the Trump administration impacting international students. Previously, widespread terminations of students' legal status led to anxiety and uncertainty. The federal government also implemented a requirement for visa applicants to share social media handles, increasing scrutiny, and travel bans affected individuals from numerous countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, further complicating their ability to obtain visas and enter the U.S.
The new rule comes amid a reported decline in international student enrollment. Schools with limited endowments and those heavily reliant on international students, who typically pay full tuition as they are ineligible for federal financial aid, are reportedly feeling the impact most acutely. Representatives from higher education have warned that increasing uncertainty could deter international students from choosing the U.S., potentially affecting the workforce and economy.