U.S.

US unions sue to block visa limits for foreign students, journalists

A coalition of unions and advocacy groups filed suit in Massachusetts federal court Tuesday to challenge restrictions on visa duration for international students and journalists.

8:50 PM

US unions sue to block visa limits for foreign students, journalists

A coalition of unions and advocacy groups in the United States has sued the federal government to block a rule that would limit how long foreign students and journalists can remain in the country without applying for extensions.

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts on Tuesday. In their filing, the groups characterized the changes as "catastrophic" for universities, international students and scholars.

The rule in question restricts the duration that foreign students and journalists may stay in the United States before being required to seek visa extensions. The groups challenging the measure argue the restrictions would harm educational institutions and the international academic community.

The lawsuit represents one of several legal challenges to recent immigration policy changes. Earlier actions by the administration have included modifications to the H-1B visa process and restrictions on birthright citizenship, according to related reporting.

The groups bringing the suit include unions and advocacy organizations focused on immigration and education issues. Their legal challenge seeks to prevent the visa duration restrictions from taking effect.

The case was assigned to the federal district court in Massachusetts, which will determine whether the rule can proceed or must be blocked pending further legal proceedings.

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