USA: Unions sue over visa restrictions, including those affecting journalists
On 18 August, The NewsGuild-CWA, an affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), filed a lawsuit, alongside with other organisations, challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end a long-standing visa framework affecting foreign journalists, international students and scholars working in the United States. The IFJ fully backs this legal action and joins The NewsGuild-CWA and the National Writers Union (NWU) in condemning the restrictions on journalists’ visas, which would hinder independent reporting and stifle the coverage of US affairs.
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, in August 2026. Credit: Kent Nishimura / AFP.
On 16 July, the Trump administrationannouncedplans to drastically reduce the duration of visas for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists. Under the new regulations, foreign journalists’ visas – which currently can last up to ten years –would be limitedto 240 days. For Chinese journalists, these visas would be limited to 90 days.
“In addition to attacking international students and scholars, the Trump administration is again attacking journalists by also shortening the duration of I Visas, which support the important work of international journalists working in the United States. Our First Amendment makes it clear that the United States is supposed to be a champion of a free press, not an opponent,”statedThe NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss.
On 18 August, in the face of these restrictions, a coalition of unions and advocacy groups in the USsuedthe federal government, challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule, which ends the ‘duration of status’ framework for international students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media. Under the new rule, the ‘duration of status’ system, which currently allows foreign journalists to work and reside in the US for as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements, will be eliminated.
Schleuss concluded: “These rule changes are just another attempt by this administration to chill reporting done by talented journalists. This latest attack follows the assault of journalists by federal agents on American streets, the defunding of public media, the illegal dismantling of Voice of America and Radio Free Asia and the continued disrespect by the president. Our democracy depends on journalism and journalism depends on journalists of all stripes. We are proud to stand with other partners and fight these illegal rule changes intended to weaken our democracy.”
National Writers Union President Larry Goldbetter said: “The Trump administration is proposing a rule change that would limit journalists to a period of 240 days, a drastic cut from the ‘duration of status currently in place’. This shortened admission period may subject journalists to pressure regarding what they choose to cover and the views they express. It’s yet another attempt to muzzle journalists and the public’s right to know.”
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger added: “The Trump administration is placing an increased administrative burden on foreign journalists seeking visas and visa renewals, with the aim of creating new barriers to independent reporting in the US. These measures raise serious concerns about press freedom and journalists’ ability to cover US affairs without undue interference. We support the legal action taken by trade unions, including The NewsGuild-CWA, and are ready to assist them in challenging and countering these restrictions.”
For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 16
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