DHS Secretary discusses housing impacts and student visa regulations

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that interior immigration enforcement is contributing to the stabilization of rents and home prices in the United States. Mullin noted that high levels of immigration put pressure on housing costs, claiming that average rents can drop by approximately six percent in areas following immigration enforcement actions.

Separately, the DHS is appealing a federal court's preliminary injunction that blocked a new regulation regarding international students. The contested rule would cap the duration of stay for international students at four years unless an extension is granted, and would restrict graduate students from changing their course of study. The DHS has filed its appeal with the First Circuit Court of Appeals and is seeking to expedite the process. The regulation is also facing legal challenges from organizations representing higher education and journalism sectors, which argue the DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act during the rulemaking process.