The college joins a legal effort to block a federal rule that would impose new limits on length of stay in the United States.
August 20, 2026
Reed College has joined a legal effort seeking to block a new federal rule that would change how long international students and exchange visitors are permitted to remain in the United States while pursuing their studies.
The Department of Homeland Security rule, scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026, would end the longstanding “Duration of Status” framework for people in F and J visa categories. Under the current framework, international students and exchange visitors generally may remain in the United States for the duration of their academic program or exchange activity, provided they continue to maintain their immigration status.
The new rule would instead establish fixed periods of admission of no more than four years. Students and exchange visitors whose programs extend beyond their authorized period would need to apply for an extension of stay. The rule also places new restrictions on students seeking to change educational objectives, transfer institutions, or pursue additional programs of study.
“International students are essential members of the Reed community. They bring experiences, perspectives, and ideas that deepen our conversations and enrich the education of everyone on our campus,” said Reed College President Audrey Bilger. “That is true not only at Reed, but at colleges and universities across the country. Learning is strengthened when students have the opportunity to encounter people and ideas from around the world. We should be removing unnecessary barriers to that exchange, not creating new ones.”
The plaintiffs argue that replacing Duration of Status with fixed admission periods would create significant uncertainty and administrative burdens for international students, exchange visitors, and the institutions that support them. They also contend that the changes would interfere with academic decision-making, disrupt students’ educational and professional plans, and make it more difficult for U.S. colleges and universities to attract and retain students and scholars from around the world.
Reed is participating in the challenge as a declarant through the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a coalition of U.S. college and university leaders that Reed joined in 2018.
This is not the first time Reed has joined the Presidents’ Alliance in legal action aimed at protecting international students and scholars. In April 2025, Reed joined 86 institutions and associations in supporting an amicus brief in AAUP v. Rubio, challenging the federal government’s revocation of visas and detention and deportation of noncitizen students and scholars. The brief supported a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to safeguard academic freedom and halt arrests, detentions, and deportations tied to constitutionally protected activities. That action similarly emphasized the contributions international students and scholars make to American higher education and the importance of ensuring they can participate fully in academic communities.
The Presidents’ Alliance is among several higher education and labor organizations that have filed a complaint and a motion for a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The motion seeks to prevent the rule from taking effect while the litigation proceeds.
The lawsuit argues that DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act in adopting the rule. Among other claims, the plaintiffs contend that the department failed to adequately assess the rule’s costs and benefits, meaningfully respond to public comments, consider less burdensome alternatives, or sufficiently justify the changes based on its stated objectives. The complaint also alleges that DHS exceeded its statutory authority and did not provide an adequate public comment period.
Joining the Presidents’ Alliance in the challenge are NAFSA: Association of International Educators; the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts; the American Federation of Teachers; Graduate Labor Organization, AFT Local 6516; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; United Auto Workers Local 2322; and the NewsGuild-CWA. The plaintiffs are represented by McDermott Will & Schulte.