CPJ submits comment on Trump administration’s proposed changes to journalist visas

The Committee to Protect Journalists, in a public comment submitted Monday, urges the Trump administration to drop proposed changes to the duration and application for foreign media visas, known as “I visas,” for journalists working in the United States.

Currently, such visas can last for the period of a journalist’s employment with a recognized foreign media organization. The Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes would permit reporters entry into the U.S. for up to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals, with new additional restrictions for the initial application review as well as renewal applications. 

CPJ’s public comment highlights potential risks under the proposed policy change, including weakened quality and quantity of international reporting, a chilling effect on coverage of American politics, and potential threats to source confidentiality. Other countries may also retaliate by similarly restricting American journalists in turn. 

CPJ’s signed on in support of related coalition statements led by the European Broadcasting Union, Reporters Without Borders, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. 

Read a copy of CPJ’s comment here.