Trump introduces new visa limits for foreign students, journalists entering U.S.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced new visa rules that will significantly limit how long foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists can remain in the United States.

Under the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, most international students and exchange visitors will be allowed to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of four years, while foreign journalists will receive visas valid for up to 240 days. Chinese journalists, however, will be limited to 90-day visas.

Anyone wishing to remain in the country beyond the approved period will be required to apply for an extension or leave the United States and submit a new visa application.

The rule is expected to take effect 60 days after publication, subject to congressional review, and will likely affect students enrolling in programmes beginning in August and September.

Explaining the decision, the DHS said the previous system allowed many visa holders to remain in the country indefinitely.

"For too long, past Administrations have allowed foreign students and other visa holders to remain in the U.S. virtually indefinitely, posing safety risks, costing untold amount of taxpayer dollars, and disadvantaging U.S. citizens."

According to the department, the new policy is designed to strengthen oversight of visa holders after authorities discovered that thousands of people had remained in the country for years by repeatedly extending or changing their academic programmes.

The move forms part of President Trump's broader immigration agenda, although critics argue the changes could discourage international students, researchers and journalists from choosing the United States for study and work.