US judge blocks Trump administration move to cap stays on student, scholar visas

A federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily halted a Trump administration rule that aimed to cap stays for foreign students, journalists, and exchange visitors, just days before it was set to take effect. The rule, finalized in July, proposed a four-year limit on student and exchange visitor visas, and a 240-day limit on journalists' visas, with China excluded.

Judge F Dennis Saylor IV rejected the government's claim that the restriction was necessary for national security and economic protection, citing potential catastrophic damage to the US economy and higher-education system. The plaintiffs, representing over 600 institutions, sought to block the rule, which would have allowed visa holders to apply for extensions at the Department of Homeland Security's discretion without the option for appeal.

The judge noted the broader implications of limiting relief solely to the plaintiffs, emphasizing the need for consistency and avoiding parallel regulatory regimes. The decision highlights concerns about potential abuse of the now-postponed rule, particularly regarding the renewal of visas for critical journalists.