A coalition of unions and advocacy groups has sued the U.S. government in Massachusetts to stop a Department of Homeland Security rule that would replace open-ended visa durations for certain foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists with fixed limits. The policy, due to take effect on September 15, would cap F visas for international students and J visas for cultural exchange visitors at four years, while I visas for media workers would be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals. The plaintiffs said the change would be catastrophic for universities, students and scholars because it could force people to seek extensions during their studies or assignments and risk losing lawful status before finishing. They argued the rule would deter people from coming to the United States, cost schools talent and reduce the economic contribution tied to international education. The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the suit as "performative," while union leaders and educators said the measure amounts to an attack on journalists and international scholars.