In yet another major shift in immigration policy, the Trump administration has proposed a rule that could significantly limit the length of time foreign students and journalists can stay in the United States. The move, announced in Washington on August 28, has sparked deep concern among educators and advocates who see it as a blow to both global education and America’s long-standing reputation as a welcoming hub for international talent.
Under the proposed changes, international students would be capped at a maximum stay of four years — regardless of the actual length of their academic program. Foreign journalists, meanwhile, would be restricted to a 240-day stay, with the option to extend for another 240 days. This is a stark departure from the current system, which generally allows students to remain for the full duration of their studies and journalists for the span of their assignments.
The Department of Homeland Security argued that some individuals have been exploiting the system by remaining in the country as so-called “forever students.” In its statement, the department claimed that such practices “pose safety risks, cost taxpayers, and disadvantage US citizens.” However, it offered no clear explanation or data on how international students negatively impact American society.
In reality, the numbers tell a different story. According to the Commerce Department, international students contributed over US$50 billion to the US economy in 2023 alone. These students not only pay full tuition fees but also enrich classrooms, bring global perspectives, and often contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation.
The US currently hosts over 1.1 million international students, more than any other country in the world. Limiting their stay could have long-lasting consequences — not just for students, but for the very institutions that rely on their presence for academic and economic vitality.
“This proposed rule sends a chilling message to bright minds around the world — that their presence and contributions are not truly welcome,” said Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. “It’s not just harmful to students — it weakens the US’s ability to attract global talent and threatens our competitive edge in education and innovation.”
Many universities are already seeing a dip in international enrollment due to earlier immigration crackdowns. With this new proposal, that trend could worsen — just as the academic year begins.
In a world that is more connected than ever, such policies raise serious questions about America’s role in global education, diplomacy, and innovation.
