Justice Department Challenges State Tuition Benefits

The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Vermont, Connecticut, and New York. The allegations suggest these states prioritize tuition benefits for illegal immigrants over American citizens. This legal action was reported by Fox News correspondent David Spunt on ‘Special Report.’

In a separate development, several unions and advocacy groups initiated a lawsuit on Tuesday. They aim to stop the Trump administration’s new visa restrictions, which impact foreign students and journalists. The Department of Homeland Security’s new rule will establish fixed admission periods for individuals in F, J, and I status. Currently, admissions are tied to the duration of studies, exchange programs, or media assignments.

The rule, effective September 15, mandates that F students and J exchange visitors be admitted only for their program’s length, up to four years. Extensions are necessary for longer stays. Foreign journalists typically admitted for multi-year stays in I status will face a 240-day limit, with certain PRC passport holders capped at 90 days.

The coalition filing the lawsuit argues that these changes could severely impact universities, international students, and scholars. They state that the rule might discourage nonimmigrants from studying in the U.S. due to fears of losing lawful immigration status unexpectedly. Foreign students often pay higher tuition with limited scholarships, and a decrease in their numbers may financially affect U.S. colleges.

The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed the lawsuit as a performative act. It claims the rule aims to decrease fraud and ensure compliance with visa terms. According to a department spokesperson, legitimate international students should welcome efforts to address widespread fraud.

NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss criticized the rule, viewing it as an attack on international journalists. He emphasized that the First Amendment supports a free press, arguing that these changes attempt to hinder journalistic efforts.

The DHS maintains that regular assessments will offer better oversight and help control visa overstays. The role of journalism in democracy was also highlighted, with Schleuss asserting that journalism’s integrity relies on the diversity of journalists working within the U.S.