Federal Judge Dennis Saylor issued an injunction on 14/9, temporarily blocking a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation set to take effect the following day. This ruling came amidst a lawsuit filed by a coalition of unions representing universities, educators, and journalists, who opposed the DHS regulations.
The DHS regulation aimed to significantly alter visa terms for international students and foreign journalists. Under the proposed rules, international students would be granted visas for a maximum of 4 years, requiring them to apply for an extension afterward, a change from the previous system that allowed them to stay for the entire duration of their studies.
Similarly, foreign journalists faced new restrictions, with their stays limited to 240 days and extensions of the same duration, down from a maximum of 5 years. Chinese journalists faced even stricter limits of 90 days per stay and per extension.
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Students on the University of North Carolina campus in September 2018. Photo: Reuters |
Judge Saylor, who has not yet ruled on the merits of the case, expressed skepticism regarding these restrictions in an accompanying memorandum. He highlighted that the existing system has enabled tens of millions of foreign students to come to the US, contributing significantly to advancements in scientific research, healthcare, technology, and economic growth. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for 2/10.
He criticized the DHS approach, stating, "Instead of attempting to improve that system, DHS chose to replace it with a program that significantly limits the number of foreign students, researchers, professors, and journalists." Judge Saylor also pointed out that the new regulation would grant DHS the authority to deny visa extensions based on "limited and unclear criteria," without providing a right to appeal for those denied.
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US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on duty at Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania, on 26/3. Photo: AP |
DHS justified its proposed regulation by citing national security reasons, aiming to enhance visa management. This initiative was part of a broader immigration crackdown campaign led by US President Donald Trump since the beginning of his second term. Despite these proposed restrictions, the US remains a leading destination for international students, having welcomed over 1,1 million in the 2023-2024 academic year, more than any other country globally.
Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
