WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 25th September, 2020) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement on Thursday that it has proposed to limit the duration of visas issued to foreign journalists to 240 days with an opportunity to obtain a maximum extension of 240 days.
"This effort would create a fixed time period of admission for certain aliens, consistent with most other temporary visa classifications, while still allowing these aliens an opportunity to legally extend their stay or re-apply for admission where appropriate," Ken Cuccinelli, a senior DHS official performing the duties of Deputy Homeland Security Secretary, said in the statement.
At present, foreign journalists can stay in the United States as long as they continue to perform their duties in compliance with the terms of admission.
The DHS is also proposing putting limits on visas for foreign students in the United States ranging from two to four years. These visas also allow foreign nationals to remain in the United States for as long as they maintain compliance with the admission terms.
"Under the proposed rule, F or J nonimmigrants would be admitted into the United States for a period up to the end date of their program, not to exceed four years, unless DHS determines that the nonimmigrant is subject to a shorter period of authorized stay limited to two years," the statement said.
The DHS explained that the significant growth of the F, J and I visa programs has necessitated the proposed update "to ensure the integrity of the US immigration system." It added that no changes are proposed to "the underlying requirements to qualify for these nonimmigrant classifications."
