Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Lawsuit Challenges Trump Visa Limits for Students and Journalists
The United States government plans to change how long some foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists can stay.
Students and exchange visitors would usually be limited to four years.
Foreign journalists would generally receive 240 days, while Chinese journalists would receive 90 days.
People who need more time would have to ask the government for an extension.
Students would also have less time to leave after finishing their studies.
A group of unions and advocacy organizations sued to stop the changes.
They say the rules could make the United States less attractive to students and make journalism harder.
The Department of Homeland Security says the rules improve oversight and fight fraud.
A coalition of unions and advocacy groups sued the United States government on August 18 in Massachusetts over new visa limits.
The Department of Homeland Security would cap F and J visa stays at four years and set fixed periods for I visa holders.
Foreign journalists would generally receive 240 days, while Chinese journalists would receive 90 days under the proposed rules.
Students and exchange visitors needing more time would have to seek an extension or leave and re-enter the United States.
The groups warn the rules could hurt universities, students, scholars and journalists, while DHS says they strengthen oversight and combat fraud.
- Who
- A coalition of unions and advocacy groups, including The NewsGuild-CWA, sued the United States government and the Department of Homeland Security.
- What
- The coalition is challenging new rules that would impose fixed limits on stays for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists.
- When
- The lawsuit was filed on August 18, and the rules are scheduled to take effect on September 15, subject to congressional review.
- Where
- The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
- Why
- The groups say the rules could discourage international students and scholars, harm universities and restrict foreign journalists; DHS says they are intended to strengthen oversight and combat fraud.
Opponents of the Rules
Department of Homeland Security
Effect on students and universities
Opponents of the Rules
The coalition says fixed limits and additional extension requirements could discourage foreign students and scholars, reduce international enrollment and limit universities’ access to international talent.
Department of Homeland Security
DHS says the changes strengthen oversight of the immigration system and address what it characterizes as rampant fraud involving international students.
Effect on journalists
Opponents of the Rules
The NewsGuild-CWA says shorter, fixed visa periods could interfere with foreign correspondents’ ability to work in the United States.
Department of Homeland Security
DHS dismissed the lawsuit as “performative” and defended the broader changes as part of stronger immigration-system oversight.
How long visitors should be allowed to stay
Opponents of the Rules
The lawsuit argues that replacing potentially open-ended stays tied to an approved program or employment with fixed periods creates harmful uncertainty and may cause people to lose lawful status while completing their work or studies.
Department of Homeland Security
The rules would require people who need additional time to apply to DHS for an extension or leave the country and seek readmission.
- Lawsuit filed
- August 18
- Court
- United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- Scheduled effective date
- September 15, subject to congressional review
- F and J visa limit
- A maximum of four years
- I visa limit
- Generally 240 days for foreign media workers
- Chinese journalist limit
- 90 days
- Post-study departure period
- Reduced from 60 days to 30 days