The United States Department of Homeland Security announced on July 17, 2026, that visa durations for foreign journalists will be reduced from up to five years to 240 days. Chinese journalists will face even stricter limits with visas capped at 90 days. This policy ends the ‘duration of status’ system that previously allowed foreign journalists to remain in the United States indefinitely, provided they met eligibility requirements.
Press Freedom Groups Criticize Visa Reduction
Advocacy groups have condemned the new visa limits. Reporters Without Borders described the change as a “cruel” reduction from a maximum five-year duration to eight months. The Committee to Protect Journalists characterized the
policy as “the behavior of a backsliding democracy, not the international vanguard of free speech.” They warn that frequent visa renewals may pressure journalists to avoid government criticism to prevent visa denial.
US and Chinese Government Responses
Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated the previous ‘duration of status’ system compromised national security and enabled immigration fraud. He said, “For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud.” Mullin noted that foreign students and exchange visitors were also allowed to remain indefinitely, which led to abuses by repeated
course enrollment to avoid leaving the US. He added the government is now “reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet and monitor individuals within our borders.”
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, called the US decision “discriminatory” and urged an immediate revocation of the policy. Lin warned that China “reserves the right to take reciprocal countermeasures” in response to the 90-day visa limit imposed on Chinese journalists.
Impact on Foreign Journalists and Renewal Procedures
Under the new regulations, foreign journalists must apply for visa renewal and undergo vetting after 240 days to maintain their status in the US. Chinese journalists will face a cycle of
renewals every 90 days. The shorter durations restrict journalists’ ability to establish long-term residence and continuous coverage within the country. Visa extensions remain possible but increased scrutiny and renewal frequency could impede media operations.
Policy Background and Implementation Timeline
The visa restrictions align with immigration tightening pursued by the Trump administration, including targeting certain news organizations. A similar 90-day limit for Chinese journalists was originally proposed in 2020 but abandoned under the Biden administration. The latest rule will take effect approximately 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, expected around September 2026.
