US Universities Rally to Protect Opportunities for International Students

Global talent thrives when borders welcome innovation – American higher education leaders urge preservation of flexible student visa policies to maintain the nation’s academic leadership.

In a coordinated effort to safeguard international education, a broad coalition of U.S. higher education organizations is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that could limit opportunities for thousands of global students and scholars. The groups warn that the policy, if enacted, would disrupt academic careers, deter top international talent, and undermine the United States’ standing as a world leader in research and innovation.

The proposed rule, published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the August 28 Federal Register, seeks to replace the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) policy for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors with a fixed four-year visa term. The rule would also restrict academic transfers, shorten the post-completion grace period, and limit English-language study programs.

Higher education associations argue that such changes are unnecessary and potentially harmful. In comments submitted this week, the American Council on Education (ACE) and 53 other organizations described the rule as “flawed” and warned that it would restrict flexibility for students pursuing complex academic paths, including PhDs, joint-degree programs, medical residencies, and community-college transfers.

“The rule, if implemented, would severely restrict opportunities for international students and discourage them from choosing the United States,” the groups wrote. The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the new policy would introduce rigid timelines, duplicate existing oversight, and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, adding financial and emotional strain to students.

Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance, highlighted the broader impact: “This rule could dissuade international students, researchers, and scholars from coming to the United States, with consequences for institutions, local communities, and the economy. Maintaining flexible visa policies ensures that U.S. higher education continues to thrive globally.”

Data support the coalition’s concerns. Federal statistics show that many students already take more than four years to complete their degrees, including undergraduates. Limiting visa durations and introducing a new “extension of status” (EOS) process could result in delays similar to those seen with Optional Practical Training (OPT) approvals, creating bottlenecks for thousands of students nationwide.

The groups also criticized restrictions on program transfers and changes of major, warning that such measures could shift authority over academic progress from universities to federal agencies, undermining the autonomy of U.S. institutions and reducing flexibility that domestic students often take for granted.

International students are a vital component of the U.S. economy and academic landscape. During the 2023–24 academic year, they contributed an estimated $44 billion, supporting nearly 380,000 jobs while advancing research, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. Experts warn that restrictive visa policies could accelerate declines in enrollment, raising tuition for domestic students and weakening U.S. competitiveness in higher education.

By calling for the rule’s withdrawal, ACE and the Presidents’ Alliance are advocating for a constructive dialogue between DHS and higher education stakeholders, ensuring that any legitimate concerns are addressed without compromising the United States’ longstanding appeal as a premier destination for global talent.

The coalition emphasizes that the strength of American higher education lies in its openness. Preserving flexible visa policies allows international students to pursue their studies without unnecessary obstacles, contributes to the nation’s research excellence, and strengthens cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

With global competition for top talent intensifying, maintaining the U.S. as a welcoming hub for international scholars is critical. Higher education leaders stress that supporting students, not limiting them, is the key to sustaining innovation, economic growth, and cultural exchange across the nation.