U.S. President Donald Trump often imposed tough immigration policies since his first term back in 2017, and he continued to do so since his return to office last January. On Wednesday, his administration is planning to shorten the staying period of several foreign groups.
According to the Trump administration’s proposal, the duration of F and J visas, which are meant for international students and visitors on cultural exchange programs, would no longer last four years. Additionally, the foreign journalist who holds an I visa must leave the nation within 240 days, while the Chinese journalist would only have 90 days. The proposal allows the visa holder to apply for extension.
Trump often focuses his policy on the immigration, but lately, he has been cracking down on international students specifically. Last week, the U.S. State Department reported that the current administration has revoked more than 6,000 student visas due to various reasons, including “supporting terrorist.” According to the official, about 200 to 300 people lost their visas because they “engaged in terrorist activities” and “have connection to the terrorist organization.”
Several students, including staff, from several high-end universities have participated or supported the protest against Israel in the war in Gaza, and several other of Trump’s policies. His administration considered this action a support to Hamas, a militant group that the U.S. designated as terrorist. In retaliation, the U.S. president suspended funds to these universities, forcing them to seek a settlement, which several students considered as a bribe.
In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also considered resuming visiting citizenship applicants’ neighborhoods to examine the terms of their residency, moral character and commitment to American ideals, a practice that has been suspended since 1991. Doris Meissner, former USCIS’ commissioner, stated that this practice rather creates intimidation and discourages people from pursuing naturalization.
