Can international students in the US face challenging times in coming years?

Two key issues loom for students from abroad, mostly Indian learners: primarily, the Trump administration may attempt to reduce the 2-year continuation of hands-on training offered to STEM students. Secondly, there may be a likelihood of a shorter visa duration, which would increase both administrative and financial constraints.

On the contrary, the President stated in a podcast in June that learners graduating from US institutions can obtain green cards to stay in the US. Nevertheless, his presidential campaign later clarified that this would only apply to “entirely vetted” students who would not lower American wages or replace American workers. Many people regard his remark as a simple talking point in this scenario.

Under the “admission for duration of status” provision, international students have permission to remain in the US for as long as they have paid their enrollment for classes; their stay has no set end date. To reduce overstays, the Trump administration suggested in 2020 that there is a restriction of up to four years on student visas, and in certain situations, just two years.

“The announced limited term creates a problem for Indian and other immigrant students,” said immigration lawyer Rajiv S. Khanna of Arlington when this was proposed. Given that students choose to add an extra semester, a four-year maximum is unquestionably less than a doctoral degree or even a bachelor’s degree program. Requests for extensions would raise costs for current students and, more significantly, provide another degree of uncertainty.

Whether this plan will be revived is still up for debate.