New York, July 21: The President of the Foreign Press Association (FPA), Ian Williams, has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s new policy limiting the duration of I visas for foreign journalists, warning that the measure could seriously undermine international news coverage from the United States.
In an interview, talking with Editor-in-Chief of Times Asian Raju Lama and International President of the SAARC Journalist Forum Williams said the new rule—limiting most foreign journalist visas to 240 days, with Chinese journalists restricted to 90 days—would create major obstacles for overseas correspondents and international media organizations. He argued that the policy would make it difficult for journalists to establish long-term reporting operations, secure housing, or relocate with their families.
Williams warned that frequent visa renewals could discourage independent reporting by creating uncertainty over whether journalists would be allowed to remain in the United States. He said such a system risks weakening press freedom and could damage America’s reputation as a defender of free expression.
The new Department of Homeland Security rule replaces the long-standing “Duration of Status (D/S)” system with fixed admission periods for foreign journalists. The administration says the change is intended to strengthen immigration oversight and improve monitoring of visa holders. The regulation is expected to take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have also condemned the decision, arguing that repeated visa renewals could create a chilling effect on international reporting and reduce independent coverage of U.S. affairs.
The Foreign Press Association has urged U.S. authorities to reconsider the policy, emphasizing that a free and independent international press is essential for transparency, democracy, and global understanding.
