Media Contacts: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV granted nationwide preliminary relief in the lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) final rule ending the Duration of Status (D/S) policy for international students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media. The court blocked the rule from taking effect and prohibited DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from implementing it while the case continues. As a result, the longstanding Duration of Status framework remains in place nationwide. The following are statements by some of the coplaintiffs:
Fanta Aw, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators said:
“The court’s nationwide preliminary relief is an important step toward preserving a fair and predictable system for international students and scholars and the institutions that welcome them. International educators already work diligently with the federal government to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law. At a time when countries around the world are competing for talent, the United States should be strengthening our ability to attract the best and brightest, not creating new barriers to it. NAFSA remains committed to protecting international education and the tremendous benefits it brings to our nation.”
Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Education said:
“We welcome the court’s decision to grant nationwide preliminary relief and block the rule from taking effect. Today’s decision recognizes the serious and irreparable harm this rule would cause to international students and scholars, higher education institutions, and communities across the country, as well as to the U.S. economy, research and innovation. We greatly appreciate the court’s clear and careful consideration. While the case continues, this relief preserves the longstanding system that enables our colleges and universities — and our country — to attract, educate, and retain global talent.”
Randi Weingarten, President of AFT stated:
“America is a leader in cutting-edge research because generations of scientists from every corner of the globe have been free to pursue difficult questions, challenge conventional wisdom, and publish their findings without political interference. This preliminary injunction is proof positive that the Trump administration’s proposed limits on how long international scholars have to complete their studies is arbitrary and hostile. We stand united with our 420,000 higher education members, international and American alike, so they can continue their work that makes US colleges and universities the envy of the world."
Statement from the UAW Higher Education Department:
“This ruling is a win for the researchers, grad workers, and postdocs who power the discoveries coming out of our nation’s labs and teach the next generation. Many of our UAW members are international students and scholars doing transformative work in medicine, engineering, climate science, and beyond—often on the strength of exactly the kind of stability this rule would have stripped away. You can't do groundbreaking research or inspire undergrads while living in fear that a policy change could upend your visa status overnight. We're glad the court recognized that harm and stepped in. The UAW will keep fighting for all our members, regardless of where they were born.”
###
About the Lawsuit
NAFSA: Association of International Educators; the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM); the American Federation Of Teachers (AFT); Graduate Labor Organization, AFT Local 6516 (GLO); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); United Auto Workers Local 2322; and The NewsGuild-CWA filed a complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) final rule ending the Duration of Status (D/S) framework for international students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media. Plaintiffs are represented by McDermott Will & Schulte. More about the litigation is available on the Presidents’ Alliance litigation page and NAFSA’s website.