National Press Club Calls on DHS to Withdraw Journalist Visa Proposal

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Press Club today urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would sharply restrict the ability of foreign correspondents to live and work in the United States.

The proposal would replace the long-standing "duration of status" system with fixed admission periods of 240 days, and just 90 days for Chinese nationals.

"For 117 years, the National Press Club has welcomed foreign correspondents to Washington," said Mike Balsamo, 118th President of the Club. "Foreign journalists are not guests in our democracy — they are witnesses to it. Their reporting has told the story of America through world wars, civil rights struggles, and the end of the Cold War. This rule would make that work harder, not easier."

The Club warned that the rule risks triggering retaliation against American reporters overseas. "When we treat journalists differently based on nationality, we invite other countries to do the same," Balsamo said. "In 2020, U.S. reporters were expelled from China amid visa disputes. We cannot afford to put our own journalists at risk by setting that precedent here."

The Club stressed that the proposal also threatens America's reputation as a safe harbor for reporters fleeing persecution. "Uncertainty and bureaucracy are the enemies of strong reporting," Balsamo said. "A free press doesn't stop at America's borders. It depends on correspondents who can work here without fear their time will run out."

The National Press Club called on DHS to maintain the current system and reaffirm the United States' role as a global leader in press freedom.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization, the Club, is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Bill McCarren, Director, Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club 202-662-7534 or media@press.org 

Editors Note: The National Press Club and the Press Freedom Center plan to submit a public comment to this proposed rule change from DHS, following the substance of this statement.

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SOURCE National Press Club