US court lifts ban on immigrant visas for citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

A federal court in New York has overturned a ban on immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, a measure initially imposed by the Trump administration. The ruling specifically impacts individuals from nations including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

U.S. District Judge Jeanette Vargas found that the Secretary of State had exceeded his authority by suspending visa issuances based purely on a country's nationality. The judge deemed the ban, which took effect in January, "manifestly unlawful" and in violation of U.S. immigration law.

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the order suspending the issuance of immigrant visas based on nationality was 'manifestly unlawful' and contrary to U.S. immigration law.

The lawsuit was brought forth by human rights organizations, visa applicants, and U.S. citizens sponsoring relatives from affected countries. The court's decision not only lifts the ban but also nullifies previous visa denials that were solely based on this nationality restriction.

The government retains the option to appeal this ruling. The restrictions had been justified by the State Department as a measure to ensure arriving migrants would not become a burden on society, classifying these nations as "high-risk."

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The ban on issuing visas solely on the basis of the applicant's citizenship contradicts the established legal procedure for considering immigrant visas.