A US federal judge on Monday postponed implementation of a Trump administration policy that would have imposed stricter limits on how long foreign students and journalists can study or work in the United States. The preliminary injunction from District Judge Dennis Saylor came one day before the new Department of Homeland Security visa rules were scheduled to take effect. The injunction cited risks to research, press freedom, and abuse of discretion.

Under the proposed rules, foreign nationals on student visas would be admitted for a maximum of up to four years, after which they would have to apply for an extension. International students were previously allowed to remain for the duration of their studies. Foreign journalists would be limited to stays of 240 days, or around eight months, but could apply for extensions of similar duration.