US Court strikes down Trump administration's 75-country visa pause

A U.S. federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan, found that the State Department exceeded its legal authority by implementing a blanket suspension based on nationality rather than conducting the individualized assessments required by law.

The policy, introduced by the State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed to prevent applicants from potentially becoming a “public charge.” The administration had expanded the definition of “public charge” to include any use of public benefits. The lawsuit was brought by immigrant rights groups, including the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), and visa applicants.

While the ruling vacates the 75-country pause, it does not automatically lift separate travel restrictions. For example, Lao nationals remain subject to a partial entry and visa suspension issued via a separate presidential proclamation. The court has directed the administration and plaintiffs to propose resolutions for remaining issues by September 11.