A US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new immigration rules that would have limited how long Nigerian and other international students and foreign journalists could remain in the United States without seeking extensions.
Judge Dennis Saylor ruled on Monday against the Department of Homeland Security policy, describing the government’s justification as “exceptionally weak.” He warned that the restrictions could cause serious harm to American universities and the wider US economy.
Under the blocked rule, international students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas would generally have been limited to four years. Foreign journalists holding I visas would have been allowed to stay for only 240 days before needing an extension.
The Trump administration defended the restrictions on national security and immigration-fraud grounds, arguing that some foreigners had abused visa programmes to remain in the country for prolonged periods. But opponents said the changes would create uncertainty for students, researchers and journalists whose work or studies require longer stays.
Saylor said international students and researchers have contributed significantly to US science, medicine, technology and economic growth. The ruling keeps the existing system in place while the legal challenge continues, offering temporary relief to Nigerians and other foreigners studying or working in the United States.