Secretary Mullin explained the change as an attempt to protect national security and prevent immigration fraud.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been sued by a coalition of university organizations and labor unions after the agency ended the “duration of status” policy for international students studying in the U.S. on student visas. Under the new rule, foreign students will be limited to four-year stays and required to undergo a federal review that includes submitting biometric information and security, identity, and fraud screening if an extension is needed.
When the policy update was announced, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, “For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud. For decades, foreign students have been admitted into the U.S. indefinitely,…
CLICK HERE to read the FULL DHS Sued Over Removal of Student Visa “Duration of Status” article.
MANAGEMENT & CULTURE (THE “TONE AT THE TOP”)
Fraud thrives in “sloppy” environments where leadership ignores the rules.
- The Fraud Triangle: For fraud to occur, three elements must be present: Pressure (the need for money), Rationalization (thinking “I deserve this”), and Opportunity (weak controls). You can only control the Opportunity.
- Whistleblower Hotline: Provide an anonymous way for staff to report “odd behavior.” Most internal frauds are caught via tips, not audits.
- Background Checks: Conduct credit and criminal record checks for all employees in financial or data-sensitive roles.
- Annual Ethics Training: Make sure every staff member knows that the company has a Zero Tolerance policy toward “borrowing” from petty cash or fudging overtime.