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Trump Admin Cuts Foreign Journalists' I-Visas, CPJ Decries Backslide

7/17/2026

Center

Trump Restricts Visas

The Committee to Protect Journalists labeled the new visa rule a severe backslide for press freedom.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued a rule on July 17 restricting I-visa stays for foreign journalists, effective 60 days later.
Rule ends the “duration of status” framework for I visas that has existed since 1985.
CPJ and partners urged dropping the rule and asked Congress to prohibit content-based visa decisions.

Left

DHS Caps Students

The DHS rule ends decades-old “duration of status” policy, capping student stays at four years and routing extensions through USCIS.
President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a 240-day limit on foreign journalists, with a 90-day cap for Chinese nationals.
USCIS backlog exceeds 11.65 million cases, risking months-long waits for student visa extensions.
Universities and advocates warn the rule could deter students and J-1 doctors in health care.

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Trump Restricts Visas

The Committee to Protect Journalists labeled the new visa rule a severe backslide for press freedom.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued a rule on July 17 restricting I-visa stays for foreign journalists, effective 60 days later.
Rule ends the “duration of status” framework for I visas that has existed since 1985.
CPJ and partners urged dropping the rule and asked Congress to prohibit content-based visa decisions.

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