The United States Government has unveiled a proposal to reduce the duration of visas granted to international students and foreign journalists, a move officials say is aimed at tightening oversight and curbing visa abuse.

Under the new rule announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), student visas, known as F visas, would be capped at four years. Currently, international students are granted visas for the entire duration of their studies, which for doctoral candidates can stretch beyond five years.

For members of the foreign press, the proposal is even stricter. International journalists would receive visas valid for 240 days, with the possibility of a single extension for another 240 days. However, the validity period would not be permitted to exceed the duration of their specific assignment.

The DHS explained that any application for extension would go through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and be subjected to additional layers of security screening. This represents a sharp departure from existing practice, where journalists from countries such as Germany have been issued visas lasting up to five years.

?For too long, past administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely,? DHS said in a statement. ?This practice poses security risks and financial burdens, and may disadvantage U.S. citizens.?

The proposal has drawn swift criticism from the U.S. higher education sector, which warns that the measures could damage America?s reputation as a global hub for research and learning.

Miriam Feldblum, president and chief executive of the Presidents? Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the policy would impose unnecessary obstacles for students.

?The rule would force international students and scholars to regularly submit additional applications, disrupting their studies and straining university operations,? Feldblum said. She added that the uncertainty around visa renewals ?could discourage international talent from pursuing education and research opportunities in the U.S.?

The DHS maintains that the policy shift is necessary to reduce overstays and ensure accountability. But universities and media advocates argue that the changes risk undermining the very openness that has long been central to American academic and cultural exchange. (The Guardian)

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