US court blocks immigrant visa ban for 75 countries; White House silent

A U.S. federal court has halted an immigrant visa ban imposed by the Trump administration on individuals from 75 countries. The ruling, issued on Friday, declared the policy invalid and stated that it also nullifies previous visa denials made under its provisions. Manhattan Federal Judge Jenifer Vargas ruled that the State Department's visa restriction policy violated existing law. In a 61-page decision, she countered the government's argument that immigrants from these nations were likely to receive public benefits, thus imposing a financial burden on Americans. "This policy, which temporarily prohibits the issuance of immigrant visas based on an applicant's nationality, directly invalidates the legal framework," Vargas wrote. The State Department had announced in January its intention to temporarily suspend immigrant visa issuance for 75 countries, citing an unacceptable rate of benefit claims by their citizens. The ruling represents a significant setback for the administration's immigration policies. The White House has remained silent on the court's decision.

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This policy, which temporarily prohibits the issuance of immigrant visas based on an applicant's nationality, directly invalidates the legal framework.