Judge overturns U.S. visa freeze for 75 countries

A federal judge has declared the U.S. measure to freeze visa procedures for 75 countries illegal, dealing a blow to former President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies.

The State Department had implemented the freeze, which began on January 21, for individuals seeking permanent U.S. residency. The department cited concerns that applicants from these nations were more likely to "avail themselves of social services."

Judge Jeannette Vargas of the New York court ruled that the measure "violates the law" and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his legal authority. The ruling invalidates all visa refusals based solely on this policy. The affected countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen.

According to the court's decision, consular officers were instructed to deny visa applications even if the applicant met all other requirements and was unlikely to become a financial burden. This policy aimed to prevent immigrants from these countries from becoming a "high risk" to the government's finances.