Brown University has called on the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would limit the duration of student visas, warning it could deter global talent and undermine the competitiveness of US higher education.

🇺🇸 Proposed DHS Rule Raises Concerns in Higher Education

Last month, the US Department of Homeland Security introduced a new regulation that could change how international students and scholars stay in the country. The proposal aims to replace the current “duration of status” policy — which allows students to stay for the length of their academic program — with fixed visa periods for F, J, and I visa holders.

If approved, this rule would require students and researchers to apply for extensions more frequently and undergo biometric screening, adding new layers of bureaucracy.

🎓 Brown University Pushes Back Against Visa Changes

In a formal letter submitted on September 29, 2025, Asabe Poloma, Brown University’s Associate Provost for Global Engagement, urged the DHS to withdraw the proposed regulation.

“These changes would discourage talented individuals from choosing the United States for education and research,” Poloma stated. “They could weaken US innovation, limit higher education competitiveness, and disrupt workforce pipelines in critical sectors.”

According to Brown’s Office of Global Engagement, the policy could make it harder for international students to pursue flexible academic paths — a key attraction of US universities.

🕒 Fixed Visa Periods: A Restrictive Shift

Under the new rule, F and J visa holders would only be allowed to stay for the duration of their academic program, up to a maximum of four years. After that, they must apply for visa extensions, subject to stricter oversight and potential delays.

The proposal also introduces tight restrictions on program or major changes, especially for graduate students. For instance:

• Undergraduate students would not be allowed to switch majors or education levels in their first year, except under exceptional circumstances.

• Graduate students would face even tougher limits, unable to change fields or pursue additional degrees at the same or lower level.

Poloma called these restrictions “arbitrary and harmful,” warning they could hurt Ph.D. candidates and dual-degree students who need extra time or flexibility to complete their studies.

💰 Financial and Administrative Challenges

The university highlighted that the proposed rule would increase both financial and logistical burdens for international students and institutions.

Students might need to file multiple visa extensions during their academic careers, often requiring legal assistance. At the same time, universities would face greater administrative pressure to track visa expirations and ensure compliance.

These additional requirements, Brown argued, could discourage international applicants, making the US a less attractive study destination compared to countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia.

📚 Impact on Academic Freedom and Innovation

Brown’s letter emphasized that academic flexibility is a cornerstone of American higher education. The new policy, however, could restrict students’ ability to explore interdisciplinary programs, change academic paths, or extend research timelines.

Such limitations, the university warned, would stifle creativity and slow innovation, ultimately damaging the US’s global reputation as a leader in education and research.

⚠️ A Warning for the Future of US Education

Brown University’s stance reflects a growing concern across American universities. Many believe that shorter visa periods, reduced academic flexibility, and extra administrative hurdles could push talented students to seek opportunities elsewhere.

“The proposed rule threatens to disrupt education and research pipelines that are essential for America’s economic growth and technological leadership,” Poloma concluded.

The debate highlights a key challenge for US policymakers — how to balance immigration control with maintaining the nation’s appeal as a global education hub. The final decision by the DHS could reshape international education in the United States for years to come.