California leads coalition opposing Trump's planned restrictions on student visas

"The proposal by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would limit international students to a fixed four-year visa period and restrict their ability to transfer schools or change academic programs. Students would be required to apply for an extension to remain in the U.S. beyond the fixed term. The Department of Homeland Security said the rules would curb visa abuse and increase DHS's ability to properly vet and oversee international student visa holders and their history."

"The proposal comes as the Trump administration has cracked down on immigration and visas for foreign students and workers across the country. Earlier this spring, the State Department expanded the screening process for student visa applicants, directing diplomats to comb through students' social media accounts and the administration terminated hundreds of international students' visas before it abruptly reversed course and restored students' immigration statuses. And this month, the Trump administration imposed a new $100,000 fee on some visas, sparking widespread panic among workers and companies."

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a multistate coalition with attorneys general from several states opposing a Department of Homeland Security proposal. The proposal would limit international students to a fixed four-year visa, restrict transfers between schools and changes in academic programs, and require students to apply for extensions to remain beyond the term. DHS stated the rule would curb visa abuse and improve vetting and oversight, and noted the measure was first proposed in 2020 and withdrawn in 2021. The proposal follows expanded screening, social media checks, reversed visa terminations, and a new $100,000 visa fee. Bonta and state leaders urged DHS to withdraw the proposal, arguing it would harm American universities and state economies.

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