TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday, July 16, that it would tighten restrictions on international students and exchange program participants, limiting their legal stay to a maximum of four years unless they obtain a federally approved extension.
"Nonimmigrant students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) will be admitted for the length of their specific program, not to exceed a maximum period of four years," the department said in a statement released on its website, as quoted by ANTARA.
According to the statement, the final rule “formally eliminates the ‘duration of status’ loophole” that allowed foreign students, exchange students, and others to remain in the U.S. indefinitely and “without routine government oversight.”
The duration of status provision allows foreign nationals to remain in the U.S. as long as they are actively pursuing the purpose of their visa, rather than setting a definite date when they must leave the country.
"For nearly half a century, the outdated 'duration of status' system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud," said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, accusing thousands of foreign students of abusing the U.S. immigration system.
In a statement, Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA, a U.S.-based international educators association, described the DHS decision as "an ill-advised and unnecessary policy change that injects uncertainty, bureaucracy, and fear into a system that has long operated effectively."
"It tells the world's brightest students and scholars that the United States is becoming less welcoming, less predictable, and less committed," Aw said.
Read: Why Australia Cuts Indonesian Business Visa Process to 3 Days
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Over 4,000 Officers Stand Guard at Jakarta Student Rally Today
14 jam lalu
The students are staging a demonstration titled 'Motion of No Confidence in the Prabowo-Gibran Regime' in the Monas area, Jakarta.
Don't Fear Student Criticism
10 hari lalu
Student demonstrations against programs of the Prabowo administration are not a threat. They should be welcomed.
Various Ways to Quell Student Protests
11 hari lalu
The Palace scrambled to counter student demonstrations by rallying university leaders.
Indonesia Targets Internet Access for 16,557 Schools in 2026
14 hari lalu
Indonesia aims to connect 16,557 schools to the internet in 2026 to expand digital learning and improve education access nationwide.
Indonesian Rights Group Slams Military Discipline Plan for Students
17 hari lalu
SETARA Institute criticized the government's plan to deploy Military Academy (Akmil) cadets to train students at People's Schools.
Serbia: Protests Continue After Vucic Says He Will Step Down
18 hari lalu
Student protests continued despite President Vucic's pledge to resign within weeks, extending 18 months of sustained pressure.
Research Finds Student Protests Dominate Social Media Discussions
22 hari lalu
Tracking agency Binocular Media Monitoring records student protests as the most talked-about issue with 14,035 conversations.
Today's Top 3 News: UI's Ranking in QS WUR, Student Journalist Harassment
23 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Govt Responds to Allegations of Involvement in Pro-MBG Rallies
23 hari lalu
The Government Communication Agency states that people have the right to express their opinions, whether they are in favor of or criticizing the MBG.
Prabowo Claims He Knows Who Funds Demonstrations Against Him
23 hari lalu
Prabowo suggested that the individuals behind the alleged funding were people opposed to him.
