Kathmandu— A coalition of US unions and advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit against the federal government over a recently announced rule that caps the length of stay for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists without requiring visa extensions. The suit, filed Tuesday in Massachusetts, argues the changes will negatively impact universities, international scholars, and the American economy by discouraging talented individuals from coming to the United States. Currently, these visas are typically valid for the duration of a student’s program or employment, but under the new regulations set to take effect September 15th, student and exchange visas will be limited to four years, while most journalist visas will be capped at 240 days—or 90 days for Chinese nationals.

Lawsuit Claims ‘Catastrophic’ Impact

The lawsuit alleges the new regulations will create significant hardship for international students and scholars. The groups argue that limiting visa durations to four years will deter prospective students, leading to lost opportunities, reduced talent pools for universities, and substantial economic losses due to decreased educational exports. They claim the rule creates an environment where individuals risk losing their lawful immigration status mid-study or employment, making the US a less attractive destination for international talent.

The complaint further asserts that the changes are arbitrary and undermine the long-standing practice of issuing visas valid for the duration of academic programs or employment.

DHS Defends Rule, Cites Fraud Concerns

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson dismissed the lawsuit as “performative” and defended the new rule. The spokesperson claimed that President Trump is addressing widespread fraud within the visa system to ensure only genuine students are admitted into the United States, though no evidence was provided to support these allegations.

The DHS maintains the changes are intended to strengthen national security and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

Union Leaders Condemn Policy

Leaders from several unions have voiced strong opposition to the new regulations. Jon Schleuss, president of US NewsGuild-CWA, characterized the rule as a direct attack on journalists. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, stated that the US is “breaking the law for its own political purposes” and using international students as “pawns.”

Weingarten added, “This latest assault on knowledge by the Trump administration arbitrarily limits how long international scholars have to complete their studies and risks turning a welcoming environment for students into a hostile one.”

Visa Changes Detailed

The new rule affects three main visa categories: F visas for international students, J visas for exchange visitors participating in cultural exchange programs, and I visas for members of the media. Previously, these visas were granted for the duration of the program or employment. Under the upcoming changes, F and J visas will be capped at four years, while I visas will generally be limited to 240 days, with a stricter limit of 90 days specifically for Chinese journalists.

The lawsuit seeks to block the implementation of the new rule before it takes effect on September 15th. The outcome of the legal challenge remains uncertain and could significantly impact the future of international student and journalist access to the United States.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.