WASHINGTON: The United States (US) government is tightening limits on the length of time foreign students and media representatives are allowed to stay in the country, under regulations announced on Thursday, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Students, including exchange students, will be allowed to stay for four years, while foreign journalists will be limited to 240 days.
Both groups can apply for an extension without having to leave the country.
“For decades, foreign students have been admitted to the U.S. without time limits, allowing thousands to abuse our immigration system by continuously enrolling in courses to avoid leaving the U.S.,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement.
He said the new final rules will ensure students focus on “completing their studies and returning home.”
The new regulations will be officially published on Friday and will come into effect 60 days later.
— BERNAMA-dpa
