An AAMC-endorsed bicameral Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval (S.J. Res. 213/H. Res. 215) regarding federal actions to replace the duration of status with a fixed-term of stay for certain visa holders was introduced on Sept. 14. The resolution was introduced by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The House companion is led by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).
The CRA resolution follows the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) July 17 final rule that removes duration of status, a long-standing regulation that allowed F, J, and I visa holders to stay in the United States until they finish their program of study [refer to Washington Highlights, July 17]. The resolution aligns with the AAMC’s and the Association of American Universities’ amicus brief filed on Aug. 27, submitted in support of the plaintiffs in Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. DHS, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on Aug. 27 [refer to Washington Highlights, Aug. 31]. As it currently stands, the fixed-term final rule is stayed and implementation is placed on hold, pending further review of the court or a final judgement on the merits [refer to Washington Highlights, Sept. 18].
- Washington Highlights