(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – 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 (GLO)/AFT Local 6516, the United Auto Workers (UAW); UAW Local 2322 and The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America (CWA) have filed a complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts challenging the U.S. 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.

The complaint argues the final rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act because DHS failed to adequately assess its costs and benefits, meaningfully respond to public comments, consider less burdensome alternatives or justify the rule based on its stated objectives.

It also alleges DHS provided an inadequate public comment period and exceeded its statutory authority.

The rule replaces the long-standing D/S framework with fixed admission periods of no more than four years and requires international students and exchange visitors to apply for extensions of stay.

It also restricts students’ ability to change educational objectives, transfer institutions or pursue additional programs of study.

These changes will create significant uncertainty and administrative burdens for international students and exchange visitors and the institutions that support them, the lawsuit charges.

They will also interfere with academic decision-making, disrupt students’ educational and professional plans, and undermine the ability of U.S. Colleges and Universities to attract and retain global talent.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: NewsGuild sues DHS challenging visa rule affecting foreign journalists, others | The NewsGuild - TNG-CWA