US unions sue over new visa rule for foreign students, journalists

U.S. labor unions and higher-education groups sued the Trump administration on August 19, 2026, to block new Department of Homeland Security visa rules that replace open-ended stays with fixed time limits for foreign students, exchange visitors, and journalists. The finalized rule, published July 16 and set to take effect September 15, limits F visas (students) to four years and I visas (foreign media) to 240 days, ending a "duration of status" system in place since 1978. The plaintiffs argue the policy threatens press freedom and international educational exchange.