The Justice Department has initiated lawsuits against Vermont, Connecticut, and New York. These states are accused of giving illegal immigrants preferential tuition benefits over American citizens. This legal action was highlighted by Fox News correspondent David Spunt on ‘Special Report.’
In related news, a coalition of unions and advocacy groups took legal steps to block the Trump administration’s new visa restrictions. These rules would limit the duration that foreign students and journalists can stay in the U.S. without seeking extensions. The Department of Homeland Security’s regulation introduces fixed admission periods for those in F, J, and I statuses. Previously, these visa holders were admitted for the duration of their studies or assignments.
As per the updated rules effective from September 15, F students and J exchange visitors would stay for their program’s length, not exceeding four years at a time. Extensions would be necessary to remain further. For foreign journalists categorized as I status, the stay is capped at 240 days. Those holding PRC passports, except for Hong Kong and Macau SAR, would be limited to a 90-day stay.
The lawsuit argues that the rule changes would harm universities and deter international students and scholars from the U.S., concerned about losing legal status midway through their education. The rule permits students to extend their stay if their program exceeds four years. However, new restrictions impact transfers and educational objective changes, affecting certain graduate students.
Critics note that foreign students often pay higher tuition and receive fewer scholarships, potentially financially impacting U.S. colleges if international enrollment decreases. A statement from the complaint highlights that both students and schools would lose opportunities, resulting in potential economic losses for the U.S., where education is a leading export.
The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed the lawsuit as a mere performance, claiming the changes aim to eradicate fraud. A spokesperson suggested that if the media genuinely cared about legitimate students, they would support the measures to ensure only genuine students study in the U.S.
Jon Schleuss, President of NewsGuild-CWA, criticized the restrictions as an attack on journalists. He emphasized the importance of free press and how these changes undermine journalism’s role in democracy. Despite the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for oversight, concerns about suppressing journalism and education remain prevalent.