US Judge Blocks Trump Visa Rules for Foreign Students, Journalists

US Judge Blocks Trump Visa Rules for Foreign Students, Journalists

A new Trump administration policy aimed at placing tighter time limits on foreign students and journalists in the United States has been put on hold by a federal court.

The decision came from US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor on Monday, hours before the Department of Homeland Security was expected to begin enforcing the new rules.

The policy would have replaced the long-standing system that allows international students to remain in the US for the duration of their approved studies. Instead, most student visa holders would have been given a fixed period of up to four years and would then need to seek an extension.

Foreign journalists would also have faced shorter periods of stay. The proposed limit was 240 days, while Chinese journalists would have been restricted to 90 days, subject to possible extensions.

Universities, educators and journalists challenged the policy in court, arguing that the changes could disrupt education, research and media work.

READ ALSO:

• 2027: Northern Lecturers Back Tinubu, ASUU Disowns Endorsement
• ‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe
• Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

Saylor has now temporarily stopped DHS from putting the rules into effect. He did not make a final ruling on the wider legal challenge and has scheduled another hearing for October 2.

In his ruling, the judge questioned whether DHS had properly explained the need for such a major change. He also expressed concern that visa extension decisions could become highly discretionary, leaving foreign students, researchers and journalists with limited options if their applications were rejected.

Saylor further criticised the administration’s national security justification, describing it as exceptionally weak and questioning whether less restrictive measures had been considered.

The ruling means the new restrictions will not take effect for now. The case will continue in court as the Trump administration defends the policy.

The US hosted more than 1.1 million international students during the 2023-24 academic year, making it the world’s leading destination for international education.

US Judge Blocks Trump Visa Rules for Foreign Students, Journalists