National Press Club Opposes DHS Proposal Limiting Foreign Journalists’ Visas

September 17, 2025 – USA  – 

The National Press Club (NPC) has urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed regulation that would restrict visas for foreign journalists, warning that the change poses a serious threat to press freedom and could endanger U.S. journalists abroad. The proposal seeks to eliminate the current “duration of status” rule, which allows foreign correspondents to remain in the country as long as their assignments last, and instead impose fixed visa terms—240 days for most reporters and only 90 days for journalists from China.

NPC President Mike Balsamo said the change undermines the ability of reporters to cover U.S. institutions and society without the constant pressure of looming visa expirations. He stressed that foreign correspondents are essential to global understanding of American democracy, adding that restricting their work could prompt retaliation against U.S. journalists working overseas. According to the NPC, the rule would make visas harder to extend and introduce bureaucratic obstacles that could disrupt critical international coverage.

The NPC also warned that the policy risks damaging America’s image as a haven for press freedom. Historically, the U.S. has welcomed journalists fleeing censorship and persecution, offering them the opportunity to report freely. By adopting a restrictive model that singles out specific nationalities, critics argue the U.S. could set a precedent that authoritarian governments might use to justify crackdowns on foreign reporters.

Founded in 1908, the NPC represents more than 3,000 members from nearly every major news organization. It has long positioned itself as a defender of global press freedom, supporting reporters at risk and advocating for fair treatment of media professionals worldwide. The organization announced plans to submit formal comments opposing the DHS proposal and is rallying support from other press freedom groups and professional associations.

The NPC emphasized that journalism depends on open access and stability, not arbitrary time limits. It called on DHS to reconsider the consequences of its proposal, reminding policymakers that transparency and accountability rely on the ability of foreign correspondents to operate without unnecessary restrictions. For the NPC, defending these principles is essential to preserving both U.S. credibility and the global safety of journalists.

Reference – 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-press-club-calls-on-dhs-to-withdraw-journalist-visa-proposal-302559390.html