The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule to expand the information collected from immigrants and eliminate the duration of status system [1].

This shift would provide federal authorities with more granular data to track foreign nationals, potentially increasing the frequency of visa renewals and the risk of deportation for those who fail to maintain strict compliance.

The proposal focuses on increasing the data gathered through change-of-address forms [2]. According to the department, this information will be used by the Secretary to enforce the immigration laws of the United States, including the public charge ground [2]. A routine change of address immigration form could soon become a tool for immigration enforcement [3].

Beyond data collection, the rule targets specific visa categories. The proposed rule would eliminate the longstanding duration of status system for F, J, and I visa categories [1]. Under the current system, many students and exchange visitors can remain in the U.S. for the entire length of their program without a fixed expiration date on their stay.

By removing this system, the government intends to curb perceived abuses of visa programs [2]. The change would require visa holders in these categories to apply for specific periods of admission, creating more frequent touchpoints between the immigrant and the federal government.

The DHS said the move is designed to give the Secretary of Homeland Security additional tools to enforce immigration laws [2]. The proposal was issued via a Federal Register notice [1].

“The proposed rule would eliminate the longstanding duration of status system for F, J, and I visa categories.”

The elimination of the duration of status system represents a significant shift from a flexible, program-based residency to a fixed-term residency. By requiring F, J, and I visa holders to seek specific extensions, the DHS can more effectively monitor compliance and identify individuals who may have fallen out of status, while the expanded address reporting closes gaps in the government's ability to locate and notify immigrants during enforcement actions.