Federal Judge Vacates Trump Policy That Suspended Processing Of Immigration Visas From 75 Countries

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas vacated a Trump administration policy that had suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia. Vargas ruled the policy, issued under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was 'contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority' because it stripped consular officers of the individualized discretion Congress gave them.

The policy had been justified by citing Council of Economic Advisers data claiming over 30 percent of households from these countries received public assistance, part of a broader crackdown on immigrants deemed potential 'public charges.' It was challenged by two nonprofits and 11 individuals, several with family members denied visas under the blanket rule.

The State Department said only that it would not comment on pending litigation, while insisting it is 'protecting the American people' through rigorous vetting. It did not explain how a categorical nationality ban squares with the individualized screening it claims to champion.

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