California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in opposing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposal to limit international students to a fixed four-year visa period and restrict their ability to transfer schools or change academic programs. Nationally, only 34% of all college students complete their undergraduate degrees within four years. Graduate and doctoral programs often require seven or more years to complete, meaning candidates would need at least one extension of their visa to obtain their degree; this would leave these students to face a complex and expensive process to obtain permission to remain in the country, placing their academic and professional futures at serious risk. The proposal will have an outsized impact on California especially, which welcomes more international students than any other state in the country. In the comment letter, the coalition urges DHS to withdraw its proposal.  

“Our state thrives when students from around the world come here to learn, research, and contribute,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s proposal is a direct threat to California’s universities and colleges, our economy, and to the diversity that strengthens our communities. We urge the Department of Homeland Security to reverse this misguided rule and recognize that America is stronger and more economically vibrant when we attract the best and the brightest students from all over the world.”