One day before the rule was scheduled to go into effect, the U.S. Federal District Court in Massachusetts placed a temporary hold on a White House rule that would limit the length of time international students can stay in the United States while studying. Currently, students are able to stay in the country for the duration of their studies, a policy called Duration of Status. The new rule, if implemented, would limit the length of stay to four years for F-1 and J-1 students.
In the comments the ASCB submitted while the rule was in draft form, the Society warned that the new policy would drive international scientists away. The ASCB said, “If the U.S. fails to remain open and welcoming, top talent will go elsewhere, and it is the United States that will fall behind.”
The ASCB’s comments urged the White House to try another approach. Our letter said, “Instead of restricting visa terms for bureaucratic convenience (Federal Register, pg. 42071), DHS should strengthen oversight in ways that support, rather than hinder, the research enterprise.”
This court ruling puts implementation of the new rule on hold while legal challenges continue.
About the Author:
Kevin M. Wilson serves as Chief Policy Officer for the American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org
