New visa rules worry Iowa's international students

Driving the news: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) eliminated open-ended "duration of status" for two popular student visas, effective Sept. 15.

• Foreign students now face a hard four-year cap to finish their studies, plus tighter rules on changing majors and shorter windows to apply for post-graduation work authorization.

By the numbers: International students contributed nearly $620 million combined to the Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas economies in the 2024-2025 academic year, per an Open Doors report cited by the Midwest Newsroom.

Zoom in: Daniyal Shahbaz, a 20-year-old Iowa State University junior studying mechanical engineering and political science, told the Midwest Newsroom that uncertainty follows him even on ordinary trips home to Pakistan, despite his valid visa.

• "It makes me second-guess any decision I want to make, anything I want to do," Shahbaz said.

What they're saying: Immigration attorney Rekha Sharma-Crawford told the Midwest Newsroom that the crackdown on lawful visa holders threatens college towns' economies, including local restaurants, gas stations and bars.

The other side: DHS says the changes are meant to combat "rampant visa abuse" and tighten oversight of who is admitted and how long they can stay.

What's next: A group of labor unions and higher-ed groups has sued to block the rule.

• Meanwhile, Shahbaz flew back to Ames from Pakistan earlier this month.