Key Facts

• A federal judge in Boston blocked a rule that would cap F visas for students at four years and I visas for journalists at 240 days.
• The judge said the government’s reasons for the limits were weak and that the rule would harm education and the economy.
• About 1.6 million international students and 500,000 exchange visitors would be affected by the visa limits.
• Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia sued to stop a rule expanding the "public charge" test, which could deny green cards to immigrants using government benefits.
• The new rule expands scrutiny to non-cash benefits such as food aid and Medicaid, and applies the test to family members’ benefits too.
• The lawsuits argue the administration illegally changed immigration rules without Congress’s approval.
• The Department of Homeland Security defended the rule, saying it aims to protect federal funds.
• The states say the rule will force immigrant families away from important support programs.