US Judge Blocks Trump's Order to Suspend Visas for Citizens of 75 Countries

A U.S. federal judge has overturned a government order that barred the issuance of visas to citizens of 75 countries seeking permanent residency in the United States, dealing another blow to President Donald Trump’s policies aimed at tightening immigration restrictions.

Judge Janet Vargas, in a ruling issued yesterday, Friday, by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, declared the order “unlawful,” stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded “the authority granted to him by law” in issuing it.

The order, which took effect last January, suspended the processing of immigrant visa applications from citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Thailand, and Yemen.

Subscribe to digital and print newspapers

Purchase telescopes and astronomy equipment

Obtain management consulting services

When issuing the order, the U.S. Department of State stated that it aimed to “ensure that immigrants arriving from high-risk countries do not improperly use U.S. social welfare programs and do not become a burden on public funds.”

However, Judge Vargas found that consular officials were instructed to deny immigrant visa applications solely based on the applicant’s country of origin, even in cases where applicants met all other requirements.

The ruling mandates the cancellation of any visa denial based exclusively on that policy, while the U.S. government retains the right to appeal the decision.

During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants residing in the United States. Since returning to the White House, he has implemented a series of measures to accelerate deportation proceedings and restrict migrant crossings across the border.