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September 11, 2025 – China/USA –
The United States is proposing significant new restrictions on visas for foreign journalists, prompting immediate pushback from Beijing, which has denounced the measures as discriminatory and harmful to press freedom.
Under the draft rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), visas for Chinese journalists would be limited to 90 days, with stricter provisions for extensions. Meanwhile, journalists from other countries would be allowed visas of up to 240 days. These limits would replace the current system, where I-visas (for media) can remain valid for much longer periods tied to ongoing employment or assignments.
The proposal also affects students and exchange visitors: their visas would be capped at four years, with new requirements for renewal or extension.
China’s foreign ministry, through spokesperson Guo Jiakun, sharply criticised the U.S plan. Beijing stated it opposes what it described as “discriminatory practices” targeting specific nationalities. It emphasised that cooperation in journalism and other people-to-people exchanges is beneficial for both countries and should not be hindered.
Press freedom organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have raised an alarm over the proposed visa limits. They argue that setting fixed, relatively short durations for media visas may create fear among journalists, forcing them into bureaucratic and legal limbo and potentially discouraging critical reporting. RSF warns that such measures risk self-censorship and erosion of media independence.
The DHS proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period before any final rule is adopted.
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