Statement on DHS Rule

Statement from the Graduate Employees Organization at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign regarding the proposed rule changes to 8 CFR in DHS DOCKET NO. ICEB-2025-0001 by the Department of Homeland Security.

We, the Graduate Employees’ Organization IFT/AFT Local 6300 AFL-CIO at UIUC, oppose the proposed changes to Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001 by the Department of Homeland Security and request that this measure be withdrawn. We firmly believe that the proposed rule would have far-reaching, undue, and detrimental consequences for our members, our students, our university, and the broader academic community. For the well-being of international students, the integrity of U.S. higher education, and the nation’s continued leadership in research and innovation, we urge DHS to reject these proposed changes and preserve the current Duration of Status framework.

We strongly object to the proposed changes that seek to limit the duration of F and J visas for international students and scholars to four years in the United States. According to the university’s statistics from fall 2024, international students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign represent 21% of the total students enrolled, with 30% enrolled in doctoral programs1. As the representative body for international graduate student workers within the university, the GEO knows how a precarious immigration status can disrupt academic progress, research, and the broader U.S. educational environment.

The proposed changes in Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001 would bring considerable academic and financial challenges for international students. Many doctoral programs at UIUC exceed the proposed stay limits, which leaves students in constant fear of visa denials and deterring top scholars from pursuing academic and research opportunities in the United States. International students would be forced to pay more in fees every year just to extend their legal status and ability to finish their program. To renew their J1-F1 visas, it's estimated that international students may need around $20,000 to $65,000 per year to cover their expenses in the United States2. Also, USCIS currently estimates that an I-539 extension review for F, J, and M visas takes 3.5 months, with backlogs currently reaching a record of 11.3 million pending cases,3 unless applicants pay a premium price of $1,9654. Furthermore, the recent expansions of USCIS screening (social media checks and vague “anti-American activity” reviews) only add stress and uncertainty, as well as larger backlogs that prolong the review process. The proposed changes in Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001 would impose a significant financial burden on our international students, who already face financial challenges in pursuing their studies abroad.

The proposed changes will create undue and unnecessary obstacles that will inhibit international students’ progress in their degree programs and limit their freedom to pursue their educational and professional goals. A denial of extension of stay could force students to abandon degree progress. Application denials can be for something as small as a clerical error, meaning that the proliferation of arbitrary denial of extensions is probable. Furthermore, with visa processing often taking months or more, it would be virtually impossible for many students to obtain a new visa within the short leave of absence periods permitted by universities. Moreover, the implementation of this change would also have a negative impact on research and international collaboration. The limitation on the duration of F and J visas could deter top talent from coming to study and work in the United States, which affects our university's ability to attract and retain the best students and scholars. The UIUC has become a prominent establishment where international academics reside, who are leaders in innovation that enhance the prestige of the University at a national and international level. The proposed changes in Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001 would put further strain on U.S. institutions, faculty, and communities that rely on the valuable contributions these international scholars make in critical research fields and in supporting instruction for hundreds of thousands of students nationwide.

The GEO recognizes that higher education is a public good that benefits society. We know that international collaboration is essential for advancing research and knowledge. For these reasons, we urge the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider this proposed change to Docket No. ICEB-2025-0001 and seek solutions that support, rather than actively harm, international students and higher education. We are committed to defending the rights and interests of our students and scholars, and we will work to ensure that their voices are heard in this matter.

Citations

• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) UIUC. International Statistic 2024. Available on https://isss.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fa24_stats.pdf
• U.S.ImmigrationsandCustomsEnforcement(ICE).2025.StudentandExchangeVisitorProgram(SEVP)2024SEVISbytheNumbersReport “FeeSchedule.” USCIS,29Aug.2025
• Wachs,Rayna.“USCISQ2Data:BacklogsHitRecordHighasEB-1AGrowthSlows,ProcessingTimesSurge.”Boundless,23July2025