Federal Court Blocks DHS Rule Ending Duration of Status for International Students; Congress Considers Permanent Rejection
A federal court has temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing its rule to end 'Duration of Status' (D/S) for international students nationwide, while litigation continues. This ruling is a significant, though not permanent, victory for international students, scholars, and educational institutions. The DHS rule aimed to replace the long-standing D/S policy, which allows international students to remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic programs, with fixed admission periods, typically limited to four years. This change would introduce increased bureaucracy, costs, and potential delays, particularly affecting PhD students whose programs often exceed four years. DHS has appealed the court's decision, indicating that the legal battle is ongoing.
