US Court Puts Trump’s New Visa Rules on Hold

A US federal court has temporarily blocked a Trump administration rule seeking to shorten the period of stay for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists. US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction on Monday, a day before the new rule was scheduled to take effect. The judge found that the Department of Homeland Security had relied on weak justifications for the policy change and had not adequately considered concerns or less burdensome alternatives.

Under the rule issued by DHS in July, F visas for international students and J visas for exchange visitors would have been capped at four years, while I visas for foreign journalists would have been limited to 240 days. Chinese journalists would have faced a 90-day limit. Those seeking to remain longer would have had to apply for extensions, with approval subject to DHS discretion. The rule was intended to replace the long-standing “duration of status” system. Following the court order, implementation of the new rule is on hold while the legal challenge continues.