look news india
A very worrying and big shock decision has come to the fore for Indian students who dream of pursuing higher education and making a career in the United States of America (USA). The administration of US President Donald Trump has taken a historic decision to significantly tighten visa rules for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and foreign journalists. Under these new rules issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the maximum period of stay for international students has now been limited. This new order is going to have a direct and strong impact on more than three lakh Indian students studying in America, due to which their future is now trapped in a whirlpool of uncertainty.
‘Unlimited period’ of F, J and I visa ends: Now you will have to stay in America within the stipulated time limit.
Under the current system, holders of F visas (International Students), J Visas (Cultural and Educational Exchange Program Visitors), and I Visas (Foreign Media Personnel) were entitled to remain in the United States legally for the duration of their respective study programs, research work, or media jobs. This was called ‘Duration of Status’. But the new rule of the Trump government has completely abolished this unlimited provision. Now a ‘fixed period’ has been set for all these visa holders. According to the new rule, the maximum period of student and exchange visa will not be more than four years. This new rule will go into effect within 60 days of being published in the Federal Register, which is subject to review by the US Congress.
Strict restrictions on changing course and school transfer: Grace period for leaving the country also halved
This new rule of the Trump administration is not only limited to the time limit, but it also affects the academic freedom of students to a great extent. According to the new rules, graduate level students will now never be able to change their educational objective or subject of their own free will. Along with this, there is a complete ban on taking transfer from one school to another school or university without special government permission. The biggest setback has been the ‘grace period’ after completion of the course. Earlier, after completing their degree or practical training, students were given 60 days to stay in the US or look for a job, which has now been reduced to only 30 days.
Crackdown on foreign journalists also: There will be a limit of only 90 days for Chinese journalists
The scope of the new rule is not limited to students only, but it has also covered foreign media personnel (I-Visa). The visa issued for foreign journalists, which was earlier valid for years, will now be valid only for a maximum of 240 days. Especially in the case of Chinese media houses and Chinese citizens, it has been further tightened and limited to only 90 days. However, there is a provision in the rules that under special circumstances, visa holders can apply for extension of time limit, but its approval will depend entirely on strict administrative assessment.
Immigration experts and former officials raised questions: ‘Don’t they understand how life works?’
This strict step of the Trump administration has started receiving sharp criticism within America itself. According to Bloomberg’s report, former Homeland Security Department (DHS) official Doug Rand condemned the decision, saying, “Most Americans understand how important welcoming international students and eliminating unnecessary red tape is to the country’s development. But this new rule will do just the opposite and damage America’s reputation.” David J., director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. Bier scathingly commented, “Students who have spent years of their lives and millions of dollars here will now have only 30 days to find a job or secure sponsorship, or else they will be declared illegal immigrants. Do policymakers not understand how an ordinary person’s life works?”