A US federal court has heard arguments challenging the Trump administration’s decision to end the longstanding “duration of status” framework for international students and exchange visitors, with higher-education groups warning that the new system could disrupt academic plans and make the US less attractive to international talent.
The US District Court for the District of Massachusetts heard oral arguments on September 3 in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of higher-education associations and unions. The plaintiffs are seeking to block the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule before it takes effect on September 15, 2026.