The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the duration of visas for foreign journalists in the United States, shortening stays from five years to 240 days under a new rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Chinese journalists face even stricter limits, with visas capped at just 90 days.
End of 'duration of status' system
The new policy eliminates the long-standing 'duration of status' system, which allowed foreign journalists to remain and work in the US as long as they met eligibility requirements. The DHS stated that this system had allowed individuals to 'remain in the United States indefinitely without routine government oversight.'
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, 'For nearly half a century, the outdated “duration of status” system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud.' He added that foreign students had been admitted indefinitely, allowing thousands to abuse the system by perpetually enrolling in courses to avoid leaving the US.
Impact on journalists and press freedom
Advocacy groups have strongly opposed the change. Reporters Without Borders stated, 'We are outraged that the Trump administration has cruelly limited the duration of visas for foreign journalists from a period of up to five years to a fixed eight months.' The Committee to Protect Journalists called the policy 'the behavior of a backsliding democracy, not the international vanguard of free speech.'
While foreign journalists are not considered immigrants and visas can be extended, the groups argue that a 'relentless cycle of visa renewals restricts press freedom, as journalists will feel compelled to avoid drawing the administration’s ire, lest their applications be rejected.'
Broader context and Chinese journalists
The decision comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policies and target news organizations with threats and legal actions. Chinese journalists face particular restrictions, with a 90-day visa limit. The first Trump administration proposed a similar 90-day rule in 2020, but it was dropped by the Biden administration.
China's foreign ministry responded, calling the decision 'discriminatory.' Spokesperson Lin Jian said, 'China urges the US to immediately revoke its discriminatory policies targeting Chinese journalists and effectively safeguard their lawful rights and interests in the US,' adding that China 'reserves the right to take reciprocal countermeasures.'
Implementation timeline
The new system will take effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. The changes also affect foreign students and exchange visitors, who will now have finite visa durations instead of indefinite stays.
