Washington/Kathmandu, September 15, 2026 — The SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) welcomes the decision of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts to block the Trump administration’s new rule that sought to impose fixed limits on the length of stay for international students, foreign journalists and cultural-exchange visitors.
On September 14, U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor issued a preliminary injunction preventing the rule from taking effect. The regulation would have replaced the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) system with fixed periods, including a four-year limit for many F and J visa holders and a 240-day limit for most journalists holding I visas.
SJF: Press freedom must not be weakened by arbitrary time limits
The SAARC Journalist Forum considers the ruling an important development for international journalism, press freedom and cross-border exchange of information.
Foreign correspondents play a vital role in helping the world understand developments in the United States and enabling international audiences to receive independent reporting. A short, rigid 240-day limit could have created significant uncertainty for journalists covering the United States, particularly those assigned to follow the United Nations, diplomacy, international organizations, American politics and long-term international affairs.
SJF believes that legitimate national-security and immigration concerns should be addressed through fair, transparent and proportionate procedures, rather than policies that could unnecessarily disrupt the work of accredited journalists.
Judge Saylor’s ruling also recognized the potentially severe consequences of replacing the longstanding system, with the court finding that the government’s justification for the change was insufficient and that less disruptive alternatives had not been adequately considered.
A welcome message from South Asian journalists
International President of the SAARC Journalist Forum Raju Lama welcomes this judicial intervention as a positive signal for journalists from South Asia and around the world who work in the United States. SJF believes that journalism should remain a bridge between nations and peoples.
International correspondents should be able to conduct their professional responsibilities without unnecessary uncertainty created by constantly changing immigration rules.
The Forum also recognizes the importance of international students, researchers and exchange visitors, whose presence contributes significantly to education, research, cultural understanding and international cooperation in the United States.
SAARC Journalist Forum appreciates the role of the U.S. judiciary in reviewing executive action under the rule of law and hopes that future immigration policies will protect both legitimate national interests and the fundamental importance of international journalism, academic exchange and freedom of information.
The SAARC Journalist Forum stands firmly for press freedom, journalist safety, professional independence and the unrestricted flow of credible information across borders.
