The Society of Professional Journalists came out swinging on the proposed changes to US Visa rules for foreign journalists. After a period of accepting comments on the proposal, the Trump Administration announced it was going to put the new rules in place.
Once the rules are printed in the Federal Register, they take effect in 60 days. Congress can stop the rules, if it so desires. The SPJ called for the legislative body to do just that.
Reporters Without Borders and the Foreign Press Association of the USA have also condemned the move.
More info will be provided in the July 20 issue from the International Community.
Here is the statement
July 17, 2026
SPJ, SPJ International Community oppose new visa restrictions affecting international journalists
Media Contact:
SPJ Communications, communications@spj.orgThe Society of Professional Journalists and the SPJ International Community strongly oppose a new U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulation ending the “duration of status” policy for international journalists working in the United States on I visas. The regulation is scheduled to take effect in 60 days unless Congress intervenes. SPJ and the International Community urge Congress to reject the rule and protect the ability of foreign journalists to report in the United States without unnecessary government interference.
Until now, international journalists holding I visas could remain in the United States for as long as they continued working for a qualifying foreign news organization. Under the new rule, journalists would be required to renew their status every 240 days.
“These changes will create needless obstacles for international journalists who are simply here to do their jobs — report the truth,” said SPJ International Community Chair Dan Kubiske. “Forcing them to continually renew their status creates instability, adds bureaucratic hurdles and sends a message that their presence is unwelcome.”
According to a 2025 study by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China, one-quarter of foreign news organizations reported being understaffed because visa delays and denials prevented them from fully staffing their bureaus. Kubiske noted that China has long used short-term visa renewals and other visa restrictions to pressure or expel foreign journalists. SPJ is concerned that similar policies could create opportunities for political interference in the United States.
“The last thing we want is for the United States to join ranks with China in the way it treats foreign journalists,” SPJ National President Chris R. Vaccaro said, “and yet that now appears to be the way we are heading.”
The Department of Homeland Security has argued the change is needed for security purposes. SPJ believes that justification is unpersuasive. International journalists already undergo extensive vetting before being granted I visas, and their eligibility depends on maintaining employment or a contractual relationship with a qualifying foreign news organization.
In addition to filing renewal paperwork every eight months, journalists or their employers would be required to pay a renewal fee, currently $185. Those costs may be manageable for large organizations but could present a significant hardship for freelance journalists without institutional support. Fewer foreign correspondents covering the United States would mean fewer independent perspectives reaching audiences around the world. International journalists play an essential role in helping global audiences understand the United States, and policies that discourage their work ultimately reduce the free flow of information.
“At a time when global press freedom is continuously under attack, the U.S. should lead by example, not create more roadblocks to international reporting,” Kubiske said.
SPJ and its International Community urge lawmakers to exercise their authority to reject the rule. If the regulation is allowed to proceed, Congress should fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities by ensuring the visa process is never used to censor, intimidate or pressure international journalists reporting from the United States.
SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member and give to the Legal Defense Fund, First Amendment Forever Fund or SPJ Foundation.
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