A coalition of unions and advocacy groups has sued in Massachusetts to block a Department of Homeland Security rule, finalized on July 16 and due to take effect on Sept. 15, that would replace open-ended duration of status for some nonimmigrant visas with fixed limits. Under the policy, F visas for international students and J visas for cultural exchange visitors would be capped at four years, while I visas for media workers would be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. Plaintiffs said the rule would be "catastrophic" for universities, students and scholars by forcing extensions during studies or assignments and risking loss of lawful status before completion; DHS called the lawsuit "performative." Korean students say the change is also heightening personal and career uncertainty, especially because those moving from school to Optional Practical Training, or OPT, and extended-STEM OPT may need a separate Extension of Stay application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before work can legally begin, potentially creating a gap after graduation.