Presidents’ Alliance Opposes Administration’s Rule Ending “Duration of Status”

Presidents’ Alliance Opposes Administration’s Rule Ending “Duration of Status”

The final rule will increase barriers for international students and scholars, deterring global talent from choosing U.S. colleges and universities and ultimately harming America’s economy, communities, and global competitiveness.

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2026
Contact: press@presidentsalliance.org 

Washington, D.C.—The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration opposes the Trump administration’s final rule, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media, that is expected to be published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule will eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors and replace the current system—based on the duration of the individual’s actual academic program—with fixed end dates, that would require students and scholars to repeatedly apply for extensions through DHS. 

The Presidents’ Alliance urges higher education institutions and stakeholders to take action against this misguided policy to protect the United States’ role as the world’s top destination for global talent, including calling on Congress to protect D/S through legislation. 

Zuzana C. Wootson, Deputy Director of Federal Policy at the Presidents’ Alliance, stated: 

“The rule imposes unnecessary burdens on international students and scholars, campuses, employers and federal agencies alike. It is counterproductive and will ultimately harm our economy and global competitiveness.

“This action is unnecessary and duplicative. International students are already among the most closely monitored nonimmigrant populations in the U.S. and are subject to rigorous oversight by DHS and academic institutions.

“The rule will exacerbate existing immigration application backlogs, create further uncertainty, intrude on academic decision-making, impose new bureaucratic hurdles, and ultimately deter  international students, researchers, and scholars from choosing the United States.

 “International students, scholars, and exchange visitors contribute economically, intellectually, and culturally to American society. They drive innovation, create jobs, and advance groundbreaking research, creating opportunities for Americans. They deserve assurance that their admission period to the U.S. will conform to the requirements of their academic programs.

“At a time when international student enrollment is already declining, we should be welcoming the best and brightest — not erecting new barriers that limit opportunity and innovation.”

The Presidents’ Alliance is engaging with higher education institutions and partners nationwide to address the impacts of this rule. We remain committed to working with our members and partners to respond effectively and to support campuses and individuals impacted by this rule.

Resources:

Webinar: The End of Duration of Status? What Campuses and Students Need to Know to Prepare