Unions and Advocacy Groups Sue to Block New Visa Restrictions on International Students and Journalists
A coalition of unions and advocacy groups, including the United Auto Workers and the American Federation of Teachers, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts to block new Department of Homeland Security rules. The administration announced that international students and exchange visitors will be limited to four-year admission periods, while foreign journalists will have a maximum of 240 days, unless they hold Chinese passports. These changes replace the long-standing 'duration of status' framework, requiring students to seek extensions to remain in the U.S. for longer programs. Plaintiffs argue the new rules are "catastrophic" and will discourage global talent from coming to the U.S. by creating an intolerable prospect of losing status mid-study. The administration defended the move, stating it is necessary to crack down on rampant fraud and ensure that only those truly intending to study in the United States are given the privilege. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed the lawsuit as "performative outrage," noting that the fixed periods allow for regular vetting and oversight of foreign students.