A coalition of labor unions and advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on Tuesday, challenging a Department of Homeland Security regulation that would impose time restrictions on certain temporary visas.
The new rule, scheduled to take effect September 15, modifies visa terms for three categories of nonimmigrants. International students holding F visas and cultural exchange participants with J visas would be limited to a maximum of four years, compared to the current system where these visas extend for the duration of one’s program or employment. I visas for journalists would be capped at 240 days for most nationalities, or 90 days specifically for Chinese nationals, whereas such visas currently may extend for multiple years.
The plaintiffs contend the restrictions would produce harmful consequences for American educational institutions and the economy. They argue the changes will deter qualified international students from pursuing studies in the United States and deprive universities of international talent. The groups also expressed concern that the policy would eliminate billions of dollars in economic contributions stemming from America’s education sector.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed the legal challenge as “performative” and defended the regulation as necessary to prevent fraud, claiming it ensures only genuine students gain entry to the country. The department did not present specific evidence supporting allegations of widespread visa fraud.
Union leaders and education advocates have characterized the rule as harmful policy. The president of the American Federation of Teachers stated the regulation breaks legal standards and uses international students as political leverage, warning that it would transform the United States from a welcoming destination into a hostile environment for scholars. Journalists’ representatives similarly opposed the measure as an attack on media professionals seeking to work in the country.
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