A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked a Trump administration rule Monday that would have imposed a four-year cap on visas for international students, researchers, and foreign journalists.

U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV issued the nationwide preliminary injunction one day before the Department of Homeland Security rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15. The ruling halts the change while litigation continues.

The rule would have ended the long-standing duration of status policy, which allows F-1 and J-1 visa holders to remain in the country for the length of their academic programs. Instead, it would have limited most stays to four years, requiring extensions for longer programs like many Ph.D.s. It also restricted students from pursuing a second degree at the same level or transferring schools easily.

Judge Saylor, appointed by President George W. Bush, found the administration's rationale for the rule arbitrary and unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act. He described the national security justification as exceptionally weak and noted that the rule would likely cause catastrophic damage to higher education and the U.S. economy by discouraging international enrollment.

The Trump administration had estimated compliance costs exceeding $250 million in the first year alone. Plaintiffs in the case, including higher education groups and unions, argued the changes would harm universities and research.

The next hearing in the case is set for October 2. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on a possible appeal.

The policy change was finalized in July after public comment. It aimed to replace a nearly 50-year framework with fixed admission periods to enhance oversight of foreign visitors.