Higher Education Groups Oppose Proposed Rule Ending 'Deference' Policy for Nonimmigrant Visas

Seventeen higher education organizations, led by the American Council on Education (ACE), have urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would eliminate the policy of federal officials deferring to earlier approvals of nonimmigrant visas. The groups argue that ending this 'deference' policy would lead to further slowdowns in visa processing and discourage international student enrollment, negatively impacting U.S. institutions and the economy.