US Study Visa Crackdown: DIGNITY Act Aims to Ease 'Intent to Leave' Rule for International Students

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The United States has seen a decline in international students choosing the country as their study abroad destination due to stricter immigration and visa regulations. Amidst an immigration crackdown, US officials are expected to modify existing study visa rules to boost international students' interest in pursuing education in the nation. The proposed DIGNITY Act of 2025, introduced by Congresswomen María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, aims to repeal the 'Intent to Leave' rule, which requires international students to return to their home countries upon completing their studies. The act would also eliminate the need for students to provide proof of property ownership in their home country as evidence of their plans to return. Currently, international students applying for F-1 study visas must declare their intention to return to their home country after finishing their studies. However, this rule often leads to visa denials if students fail to clearly demonstrate their intention to return. If the DIGNITY Act is passed, the denial of a student visa may no longer be based solely on the 'intent to leave.' Although this change would ease the 'intent to leave' rule, it would not alter the procedure for students who wish to remain in the US after completing their studies. Students who want to stay in the US must still meet the qualifications for employment-based or other relevant visas. In a separate move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed changes to its regulations, which would alter the admission period for F, J, and I aliens from 'duration of status' to a 'fixed time period' admission. This would require non-immigrants, including students with an F-1 study visa, to leave the country after a specified period, potentially hindering their plans to study in the US. The DIGNITY Act and the proposed DHS regulation have sparked debate among international students and education experts. While the act aims to ease the 'intent to leave' rule, the fixed time period admission could have unintended consequences for international students.