The Trump administration published new immigration rules this week that restrict legal stay durations for foreign students and journalists while tightening permanent residency requirements under public charge criteria, advancing its pledge to reduce immigration.
The White House will publish two regulations in the Federal Register that have been under development since 2025, aimed at reducing opportunities for foreigners to remain legally in the country.
A rule taking effect September 18 grants immigration officials authority to deny permanent residency to applicants deemed likely to become a public charge by receiving benefits such as Medicaid and CHIP, expanding on Trump’s first-term policy that barred immigrants who sought food, housing, or healthcare assistance. The new rule also applies to immigrant visa applicants who cannot demonstrate financial solvency.
RELATED: Human Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration over ICC Sanctions
A prior measure denies immigrant visas to individuals with chronic illnesses including cancer and obesity on grounds they could later depend on public health resources. Since May, undocumented individuals seeking status adjustments must undergo consular processing in their home countries, requiring them to leave the U.S. and face potential complications.
The Department of Homeland Security announced rules affecting F visas for university students, J visas for exchange students, and I visas for foreign media representatives. F and J visa holders face a four-year limit per admission period, while I visa journalists are capped at 240 days with extension possibilities. Chinese passport holders face a 90-day limit, and although extensions remain available, applicants must request them more frequently.
The Republican administration argued the changes aim to reduce the undocumented population, with DHS stating that lax current systems allowed many exchange students to remain irregularly after visa expiration.
AMERICA FIRST: The Trump administration will PAUSE immigrant visa processing from 75 countries until the U.S. can ensure that incoming immigrants will not become a public charge or extract wealth from American taxpayers.
pic.twitter.com/uyQrZbYyO3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 17, 2026
Immigrant advocates warned the measures increase discrimination risks, particularly against low-income applicants.
With this set of rules, Trump accelerates his immigration control agenda in an election year, targeting both undocumented and legal immigration while fostering heightened hostility for millions of foreigners residing in or seeking to reside in the United States.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.