Washington, May 23: A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has urged the Trump administration to maintain the current visa framework for international students and researchers. They warned that proposed restrictions could harm America’s technological edge, economic competitiveness, and research leadership.
In a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, four congressional members cautioned against changing the existing “Duration and Status” system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders to a fixed four-year admission period.
The letter was signed by Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, Maria Salazar, and Raja Krishnamoorthi. The lawmakers emphasized that the current system provides flexibility for long-term study, research, and workforce development in the U.S., particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, where doctoral studies often extend beyond six years.
They stated, “International students play a crucial role in enhancing America’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing, medical research, and other emerging technologies. If we push them out, they will return to their countries and help foreign companies, like those in China, compete against us.”
In their three-page letter, the lawmakers argued that a four-year limit would force many students to seek repeated visa extensions, leading to “unnecessary administrative burdens, processing delays, and interruptions in academic continuity.”
They cited survey data indicating that nearly half of international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers would not choose to study in the U.S. if such a fixed admission period were implemented.
The letter also highlighted the economic contributions of foreign students to the U.S. economy. They noted that international students contribute approximately $43 billion annually to local economies and support over 355,000 American jobs.
The members wrote, “American businesses need a team of international scholars, students, and citizens committed to protecting and enhancing America’s economic and technological strength.”
They warned that a decline in the number of foreign STEM graduates could significantly weaken the U.S. workforce.
The letter stated, “If the number of foreign STEM graduates in the United States decreases by even one-third, the country could lose 6 to 11 percent of its high-skilled STEM workforce.” It further noted that such a decline could result in an annual reduction of $240 to $481 billion in U.S. GDP within a decade.
The lawmakers acknowledged that the administration seeks to impose stricter oversight on foreign students to prevent foreign adversaries from misusing U.S. universities. However, they argued that international students are already among the “most vetted and continuously monitored non-immigrant groups.”
They referenced the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which allows the Department of Homeland Security to provide “continuous, real-time monitoring” of foreign students and exchange visitors.
The letter concluded, “We respectfully request that you maintain the ‘Duration of Status’ and ensure visa processing policies that promote a stable environment for international students and scholars.”
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