U.S. court overturns visa suspension for 75 countries

A U.S. federal judge in New York has overturned a State Department policy that suspended immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the policy, which targeted nations deemed at high risk of immigrants becoming a “public charge,” violated U.S. law by preventing the required individual assessment of applicants.

The policy specifically affected citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The court found that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority by instructing consular officers to deny visas based on nationality rather than individual merit.

Following the court's decision, the State Department announced a new suspension of the visa process. However, the department stated this latest pause is not based on nationality, but rather on the need for additional training for consular workers regarding new guidelines. The department noted that training began in early August and that applicants will be notified of rescheduled interview dates.