Trump’s New Visa Rule Hits International Students

In a significant shift to U.S. immigration policy, the Trump administration has revived a contentious visa proposal aimed at tightening the stay duration for international students. The new regulation, under review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), proposes to eliminate the current “Duration of Status” (D/S) model for F, M, and J visa holders—primarily international students, exchange visitors, and vocational trainees.

Key Change: From Flexible to Fixed Visa Periods

Currently, students on F and J visas are allowed to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain valid enrollment in an academic program. The proposed rule would replace this with a fixed visa duration, requiring students to leave or apply for extensions even if their study programs are ongoing.

Experts warn this could lead to bureaucratic hurdles, increased legal uncertainty, and financial burden on students who may be forced to apply for costly renewals or face the risk of overstaying.

Impact on Indian Students

With over 420,000 Indian students studying in the U.S., India is among the most affected nations. Students pursuing long-term degrees like PhDs or medical training may face multiple renewal cycles, adding complexity and potential disruption to their academic journey.

Increased Surveillance and Social Media Scrutiny

In parallel with the visa rule, the U.S. government recently mandated that F, M, and J visa applicants set their social media accounts to “public” during the application process. This allows consular officers to review five years of online activity to detect security risks or ideological threats.

Immigration advocates argue this is a form of digital surveillance that undermines privacy and free expression, especially for younger applicants.

Institutional and Economic Fallout

U.S. universities, which rely heavily on international student tuition, have expressed concern that the policy could deter prospective applicants and worsen financial instability. Some institutions are already experiencing enrollment drops following stricter visa scrutiny and interview backlogs.

According to reports, at least 16 U.S. colleges are facing financial strain linked to declining international admissions—a trend likely to worsen if the new rule takes effect.

Critics Raise Red Flags

Legal experts, university officials, and student groups have criticized the proposal as overly restrictive and unnecessary. Many argue that it disproportionately impacts law-abiding, high-performing students while failing to address broader immigration concerns.

“This move will make the U.S. a less attractive destination for global talent,” said an immigration attorney based in New York. “It adds uncertainty and unnecessary red tape at a time when students need support, not suspicion.”

Final Review Stage

The regulation is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and could be implemented as an interim final rule—bypassing public consultation. If finalized, it would represent one of the most significant visa reforms for international students in years.

Bottom Line:
The Trump administration’s proposed rule to impose fixed durations on student visas, alongside mandatory public social media reviews, marks a dramatic tightening of U.S. immigration policy. While aimed at enhancing national security, the move risks alienating international talent and disrupting the academic goals of hundreds of thousands of students—especially from India.