The US government has introduced new rules that will limit the duration of student and journalist visas.Under the policy, foreign students will now be allowed to stay for the length of their academic program, but no longer than four years.Journalists will be restricted to stays of 240 days (about eight months), with exceptions for Chinese journalists who get just 90 days.

The changes, which could take effect as early as September, are part of a broader effort to tighten immigration laws under President Donald Trump's administration.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argued that the previous system allowed students to stay indefinitely, making it harder to monitor visa holders.International students contribute significantly to the US economy, with over $50 billion in revenue reported in 2023.Universities and media groups have criticized the rules, saying they could deter talented students and journalists.The policy faces potential challenges from Republican-led Congress, which may review it.This move aligns with Trump's immigration crackdown, which includes stricter enforcement and restrictions on legal pathways to citizenship.