A federal judge in Boston has temporarily stopped a new US government rule that would have placed limits on how long foreign students and journalists could remain in the country without extending their visas. The ruling came just one day before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was scheduled to begin enforcing the new policy.
Judge F. Dennis Saylor ruled in favor of a coalition of unions and higher education groups that had challenged the rule in court. The groups argued that the policy could create difficulties for international students, journalists, universities, and other institutions that depend on foreign visitors.
In his ruling, Saylor said DHS had not provided strong enough reasons for introducing the new restrictions. The department had pointed to concerns including national security and visa fraud prevention as reasons for the policy. However, the judge said DHS had not properly considered different viewpoints or less restrictive ways of addressing those concerns.
The judge also found that DHS had not followed the required legal procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act. This law requires federal agencies to follow specific steps when creating and implementing major regulations, including properly considering public comments and relevant alternatives.
The decision means the new rule cannot take effect as planned while the legal challenge continues. The ruling could provide temporary relief to foreign students and journalists who might otherwise have faced stricter limits on their stay in the United States.
DHS had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the court’s decision. The case is expected to continue as the government and the groups challenging the rule consider their next legal steps.
The ruling highlights the ongoing debate in the United States over immigration policies, national security, and the treatment of international students and other foreign visitors.