Presidents' Alliance Opposes Proposed Rule Ending "Duration of Status" for International Students

Strategic Insights -

The Trump administration's proposed rule to eliminate "duration of status" (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors has sparked opposition from the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. The proposed rule, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media, would require students and scholars to repeatedly apply for extensions through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This change would deter international students from choosing U.S. colleges and universities, harming America's economy, communities, and global competitiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed rule would eliminate "duration of status" (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, replacing the current flexible system with fixed end dates.
  • Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents' Alliance, stated that the rule would force international students to regularly and unnecessarily submit additional applications to stay in the country, imposing significant burdens on students, colleges, and universities, and federal agencies alike.
  • International students are already subject to rigorous oversight by DHS and academic institutions, and the proposed rule would create uncertainty and bureaucratic hurdles, deterring international students from coming to the United States.
  • International students, scholars, and exchange visitors contribute economically, intellectually, and culturally to American society, driving innovation, creating jobs, and advancing groundbreaking research.
  • The Presidents' Alliance urges higher education institutions and stakeholders to submit public comments directly to DHS to demonstrate the negative impacts of this proposed rule.

Statistics:

  • The proposed rule would negatively impact the economy, communities, and global competitiveness of the United States.
  • International students already represent the most closely monitored population in the U.S. and are subject to rigorous oversight by DHS and academic institutions.
  • The proposed rule would increase immigration application backlog and create uncertainty for international students.
  • International students, researchers, and scholars contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, creating jobs and driving innovation.

Sources:

  • Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal
  • Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents' Alliance