The Department of Homeland Security announced a major change to its F-1 student visa program a few weeks ago.
Currently, international students admitted to the United States on an F-1 visa are generally permitted to remain for the “duration of status” — meaning they can stay as long as they remain enrolled and comply with the terms of their status.
Under the new rule, beginning Sept. 15, F-1 students will generally be admitted for a fixed period of no more than four years.
That raised eyebrows online, especially because the NCAA recently adopted age-based eligibility rules that could give athletes five years of eligibility.
I think the reaction is overblown, and there isn’t much cause for concern when it comes to Merrimack men’s hockey and men’s basketball.
