United States tightens visa policies for students and journalists
The United States Government has submitted a formal proposal to modify the visa system affecting students, exchange program participants, and media professionals. This measure, promoted under the Donald Trump administration, seeks to strengthen immigration controls by eliminating the current “duration of status” model.
Under current regulations, holders of F, J, and I type visas can remain in U.S. territory for the entire duration of their academic or professional activity. However, the new proposal seeks to implement fixed expiration dates, which will force beneficiaries to constantly request extensions from immigration authorities.
Key changes in visa duration
- F and J Visas: Students and exchange participants will receive a fixed validity date, with a maximum limit of up to four years.
- I Visas (Journalists): Media professionals will have a maximum period of 240 days. In the specific case of journalists with Chinese nationality, this period will be drastically reduced to 90 days.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that this measure is necessary to prevent individuals from remaining in the country irregularly after the completion of their programs. The regulation will be published in the Federal Register and is scheduled to take effect 60 days later, provided it passes the corresponding review by Congress.
Additional restrictions for political security reasons
In parallel with these reforms, the U.S. Government has announced new visa restrictions aimed at members of groups classified as “far-left terrorists.” This directive was communicated during a ministerial meeting in Washington, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This policy will protect U.S. territory by restricting the entry of foreign nationals who fund, recruit, incite, or otherwise facilitate far-left terrorist networks.
U.S. Department of State
The measure seeks to prevent the entry of individuals linked to criminal activities, economic sabotage, or logistical support for violent groups, reinforcing the current administration’s stance against what they consider an international resurgence of political extremism.
