While currently on hold due to a federal judge's ruling, the proposal — if implemented — would place a strict four-year limit on international students with F-1 or J-1 visas. The grace period to leave the country after graduation would also be reduced to 30 days.
Democratic state Rep. Nima Kulkarni told Spectrum News the policy ignores the benefits of allowing for more flexibility.
"What's new in this policy is we're targeting people that could come here, build their lives, build their businesses, build their companies, create jobs, contribute to our economy. And we're saying even at the outset, you cannot stay here past four years," she said. "So all of those people, it's a generation of people... that's going to build that business elsewhere."
The detour from long-standing rules, which was scheduled to take effect September 15, also includes limitations on when and how students may change their major or academic program.
Department of Homeland Security Sec. Markwayne Mullin described the administration's preferred policy one that closes a loophole that international students were exploiting by extending their studies.
Mullen characterized the policy as the U.S. "reclaiming its ability to properly screen, vet, and monitor individuals within our borders."
Spectrum reports the University of Kentucky says it's "reviewing the policy and any implications for the institution at this time."