DHS Proposes Restrictions on International Student Residency Duration

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a new proposal that seeks to modify the residency duration for international students and scholars in the United States. This potential policy change may limit the time these individuals can stay in the country, fundamentally altering their educational experience. Currently, international students have the privilege of remaining in the U.S. for the length of their educational programs as full-time students. However, the proposed rule aims to restrict their stay to a maximum of four years. Following this period, individuals would need to reapply to continue their residency. The DHS justifies this proposal by citing concerns over safety and the financial implications for taxpayers resulting from “virtually indefinite” stays of foreign students. Additionally, the new regulation would also apply restrictions to the duration of stay for foreign media personnel, further expanding the policy's implications. Critics of the proposed changes, such as the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, including prominent figures like Arizona State University’s Michael Crow, contend that these regulations could hinder the ability of foreign scholars to pursue their studies in the U.S. They warn that imposing such limits may lead to decreased enrollment numbers and worsen existing immigration challenges. The public and interested stakeholders can share their thoughts on the proposed rule during the ongoing comment period, which is set to close on September 29.