The Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking legal action against Vermont, Connecticut, and New York. The lawsuit concerns state laws that allegedly give tuition benefits to undocumented immigrants over American citizens. Fox News correspondent David Spunt provides details on this issue.
In another legal development, unions and advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against new visa restrictions by the Trump administration. These restrictions could limit how long foreign students and journalists can stay in the U.S. without a visa extension. The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) rule sets fixed admission durations for international students (F status), exchange visitors (J status), and foreign journalists (I status).
Previously, people in these categories were admitted for the duration of their programs. Under the new rule, effective September 15, F students and J visitors can only stay for the length of their program, up to four years. Extensions are needed to remain longer.
The new admission period for I-status journalists will be 240 days. For journalists with PRC passports, admission is limited to 90 days. Extensions can be sought but must not exceed the length of their assignment.
The lawsuit claims these changes could harm universities, international students, and scholars in the U.S. This may discourage foreign students, leading to a drop in international enrollment. Foreign students often pay higher tuition and have fewer scholarships, impacting colleges financially.
Critics argue that these changes could lead to a loss of talent and economic contributions from international students. The DHS argues the fixed admission periods help assess if visa holders comply with their status. They dismissed the lawsuit as a performance with no proof of fraud offered.
NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss criticized the rule as an attack on journalists. The rule shortens the duration of I Visas, affecting international journalists’ work in the U.S.
Schleuss emphasized that a free press is vital to democracy. He stated that these changes aim to weaken democratic practices. He expressed solidarity with others fighting these changes, which he views as illegal.
DHS has defended the rule as a measure for proper oversight. Regular assessments would reduce visa overstays. Reuters provided additional contributions to this report.