March 5 2003

The Justice Department pulled a regulation that would have only allowed visitors for pleasure to stay for thirty days, unless the visitor could show a need to stay longer. The regulation proposed last April would end the minimum six-month stay granted to holders of most tourist visas.

Under the proposed regulations, foreigners would have to prove the need for an extended visit to stay longer than 30 days. The rules would also lower the maximum stay on a tourist or business visa from one year to six months.

Now, foreigners can still be admitted for up to six months on a tourist visa.