U.S. Plans to Tighten Visa Rules for Chinese Journalists, Limiting Stay to 90 Days; Beijing: Reserves Right to Take Retaliatory Measures

The Trump administration took action on Thursday, shortening the validity period of visas for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists. The new final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sets fixed expiration dates for F-class visas held by international students, J-class visas allowing participants in cultural exchange programs to work in the United States, and I-class visas held by media professionals. Currently, these visas typically remain valid for the duration of the individual's program or employment period within the U.S.

Under the new rules, student and exchange visitor visas will have a maximum validity of four years. Journalist visas—previously valid for several years—will be reduced to a maximum of 240 days; for Chinese nationals, this will be shortened further to a maximum of 90 days. The new regulations will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register and must undergo review by the U.S. Congress.

Following President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, his administration launched a broad campaign targeting immigration. The government intensified scrutiny of legal immigrants, revoked student visas and green cards of university students based on ideological views, and stripped tens of thousands of immigrants of their legal status.

The latest measures will impose new obstacles for international students, exchange staff, and foreign journalists. It is claimed that holders of these visas may apply for extensions.

Regarding Beijing’s response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during Friday’s regular press briefing that restrictions imposed by the U.S. on people-to-people exchanges run counter to the interests of any party involved. China firmly opposes discriminatory practices by the U.S. against specific countries. China demands that the U.S. immediately revoke its discriminatory policies toward Chinese journalists and genuinely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese journalists in the United States. China reserves the right to take equivalent retaliatory measures.

It is reported that the new regulations prohibit graduate students from changing their "educational objectives" at any stage and also ban unauthorized transfers to other schools. Additionally, the grace period allowed for students to depart the U.S. after completing their degree or training has been cut in half—from 60 days to 30 days.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security noted in its announcement that there has been a significant increase in the number of student visas issued. Data shows that over 1.8 million individuals entered the U.S. on student visas in 2024, marking an increase of more than 11% compared to the previous year. During the 2024 fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2023, the U.S. issued visas to over 500,000 exchange scholars and 37,300 media personnel.

The department stated that the substantial rise in the number of such visitors poses challenges to the DHS’s ability to monitor and regulate these non-immigrants during their stay in the United States. It cited numerous cases where students and exchange scholars have remained in the U.S. for decades under their visas.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasized that individuals wishing to stay beyond their authorized period of entry must apply for an extension with the department or obtain re-entry permission by leaving the country and re-entering.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870989498757131/

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