A coalition of unions and advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to block new visa rules that would limit how long foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists can remain in the United States before having to apply for extensions. The challenge targets a Department of Homeland Security regulation and reflects broader pushback against the administration's efforts to tighten immigration controls on non-citizens studying, working or reporting in the US.

The rule replaces the previous "duration of status" system with fixed periods of admission for people holding F status (international students), J status (exchange visitors) and I status (foreign journalists), meaning these groups would need to formally reapply to stay beyond a set timeframe rather than remaining for as long as they meet their visa conditions. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, argues the change would create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainty for those affected.