US judge blocks Trump-era visa suspension for 75 countries

A U.S. federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended permanent visa applications for citizens of 75 countries. The ruling, issued by a New York court, declared the policy "contrary to law" and beyond the legal authority of the Secretary of State.

The measure, in effect since January, halted immigrant visa processing for individuals from nations including Brazil, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. The State Department had justified the ban by claiming immigrants from these countries posed a "high risk of becoming a public charge."

However, the judge found that consular officers were improperly instructed to deny visas based solely on a applicant's country of origin, even if they met all other requirements. The ruling revokes any visa denials made under this policy, though the government retains the option to appeal.

This decision marks another setback for former President Donald Trump's immigration agenda, which has faced numerous legal challenges. Several of his signature policies, including restrictions on legal immigration, have been overturned by courts.

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contrary to law