Trump administration tightens visa rules for foreign students
The Trump administration is implementing stricter visa regulations for foreign students, including a four-year limit on stays and reduced grace periods after graduation. Officials state the policy aims to prevent visa abuse and improve national security, while educators argue the changes are unnecessary and harmful to academic research.
Why it matters
These changes significantly impact the ability of international students to complete long-term graduate programs in the US, potentially affecting the country's competitiveness in science and technology.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Critics called the new rules "misguided and unnecessary"
The Trump administration has given final notice of plans to implement stricter rules on foreign students, including preventing them from staying in the US for more than four years unless they get permission from the federal government.
The ability to switch programmes and transfer between universities and colleges will also be restricted. Until now, higher education institutions had the power to grant visa extensions.
The policy, which comes into effect in September, "combats rampant visa abuse, and strengthens national security through regular vetting", the Department of Homeland Security said.
The Association of International Educators described the new rules as "misguided and unnecessary".
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