US Judge Blocks Trump Visa Restrictions for Students, Journalists

On September 15, 2026, US District Judge Dennis Saylor issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration's proposed visa restrictions for foreign students and journalists. The new rules, set to be implemented by the Department of Homeland Security, would have limited international students to a maximum of four years in the United States, compared to the previous system that allowed them to stay for the duration of their studies.

Foreign journalists would have faced a 240-day limit, with stricter conditions for journalists from China, who would have been limited to 90 days. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of universities, educators, and journalists, challenged these restrictions, citing potential negative impacts on international education and journalism.

Judge Saylor expressed doubts about the administration's justification for the changes, criticizing the proposed extension process and the lack of an appeal mechanism for visa decisions. The injunction maintains the existing visa framework while the legal challenge continues, with a hearing scheduled for October 2.