Trump 2.0 “Duration of Status” “Duration of Stay” “D/S” work?
For international students in the U.S., the F-1 visa and its associated “Duration of Status” (D/S) provision are cornerstones of their academic journey. D/S means you can legally stay in the U.S. for the length of your studies, plus any authorized practical training (like OPT) and a grace period to depart or adjust your status. It offers crucial flexibility.
But with evolving immigration policies and chatter about potential shifts, many students are asking: Is “Duration of Status” “Duration of Stay” or “D/S” still guaranteed?
Based on the latest available information as of May 2025, F-1 visa holders are still generally admitted for “D/S” or “Duration of Status””Duration of stay” However, the landscape is one of heightened scrutiny, and past proposals have put this policy in the spotlight, leading to ongoing concern.
A Look Back: The 2020 Proposal to End D/S
It’s important to understand why this question keeps coming up. In September 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration proposed a significant rule change: to eliminate “Duration of Status” for F, J, and I nonimmigrants.
- What was proposed? Instead of “Duration of Status” (D/S), students would be admitted for a fixed period (generally up to 4 years, with a shorter 2-year limit for some).
- The impact? If students needed more time, they’d have to apply for an “Extension of Stay” directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This was seen as a move that would create more bureaucracy, uncertainty, and potential interruptions to academic programs.
- The outcome? This proposed rule generated significant concern but was not finalized or implemented. With a change in presidential administration, the proposal was not carried forward, and the “Duration of Status” (D/S) policy remained.
So, for now, if you’re an F-1 student, your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record should still reflect “Duration of Status” (D/S).
Ongoing Scrutiny & “Trump 2.0” Discussions: Why Students Remain Alert
While the 2020 proposal didn’t go through, the environment for international students has seen ongoing scrutiny. Recent reports from early to mid-2025 highlighted a rise in F-1 visa revocations and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record terminations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of State. These actions, often citing “failing to maintain status” for reasons sometimes linked to prior arrests, charges, or even political speech, have caused significant concern and legal challenges.
It’s crucial to distinguish between a visa revocation (which affects your entry document) and a termination of status (which affects your legal right to be in the U.S.). SEVIS terminations, in particular, can directly jeopardize a student’s lawful presence.
What about “Trump 2.0”?
With discussions around a potential second Trump administration (often dubbed “Trump 2.0”) and associated policy blueprints like “Project 2025,” international students are understandably watchful. While specific, new official proposals to eliminate “Duration of Status” (D/S) entirely under a “Trump 2.0” framework haven’t been detailed as of May 2025, the broader themes emerging from these discussions are relevant:
- Enhanced Scrutiny and Vetting: Policy papers and statements suggest a continued, if not intensified, focus on “extreme vetting” and enhanced screening for all visa applicants, including students. An executive order in January 2025 already mandated increased vetting.
- Stricter Enforcement: There’s an emphasis on stricter immigration enforcement overall. This could translate to less leniency for any perceived status violations.
- Potential Return of “Unlawful Presence” Policies: Discussions around reinstating stricter interpretations of “unlawful presence” rules could mean that students who fall out of status, even unknowingly or for minor reasons, could face severe consequences like 3- or 10-year re-entry bans more quickly.
- Focus on Specific Countries or Programs: Some policy discussions have mentioned withholding student visas from certain countries or re-evaluating programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). While not a direct attack on D/S, changes to these programs would significantly alter the F-1 landscape.
- SEVIS Terminations and Visa Revocations: Recent news from early to mid-2025 indicated an aggressive approach to visa revocations and SEVIS terminations, sometimes with little due process, although some SEVIS terminations were later reversed following legal challenges and outcry. The grounds for these actions were sometimes broad, including “activities counter to U.S. foreign policy.”
While these points don’t explicitly state “Duration of Status” (D/S) will be eliminated tomorrow” under a potential “Trump 2.0,” they paint a picture of a potentially more restrictive environment where the stability D/S offers could be indirectly challenged or where falling out of status (which D/S helps manage with program extensions) could have more immediate and severe repercussions. The 2020 proposal to eliminate “Duration of Status” (D/S) shows that the idea has been on the table before.
What This Means for F-1 Students Now: Vigilance is Key
Given the current climate and potential for policy shifts, here’s what F-1 students should prioritize:
- “Duration of Status” (D/S) is Still the Standard (For Now, 2025): Your permission to stay is tied to maintaining your F-1 status as outlined by your I-20 and immigration regulations.
- Maintain Your Status Diligently: This cannot be stressed enough.
- Attend all classes and maintain academic progress.
- Enroll in a full course of study each term.
- Keep your I-20 current; request extensions before it expires if you need more time.
- Work only when authorized (on-campus limits, CPT, OPT with a valid EAD).
- Report any changes (address, major, name, etc.) to your Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days.
- Strictly avoid any actions that could violate U.S. laws or your visa conditions.
- Stay Informed – Your DSO is Your First Point of Contact: Your university’s International Student Office and your DSO are your best resources for the latest, most accurate information. They receive updates from government agencies.
- Consult an Immigration Attorney if Needed: If you have any concerns about your status, receive unusual notices, or have had encounters with law enforcement, speak with an experienced immigration attorney immediately.
In Conclusion:
While “Duration of Status” remains the current policy for F-1 students, the immigration landscape is dynamic. Past proposals to eliminate it, coupled with ongoing scrutiny and discussions of stricter enforcement under a potential “Trump 2.0” administration, mean that international students must be proactive, exceptionally diligent in maintaining their status, and well-informed.
Action plan for international students (F-1 students)
Disclaimer: Immigration law and policies can change. This blog post is for informational purposes only as of May 2025 and not legal advice. Always consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) or an experienced immigration attorney for advice on your specific situation.