US federal court lifts immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries

A United States federal court has overturned a suspension on immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia. The decision follows a ruling by Judge Janet Vargas of the Southern District of New York, who declared the policy illegal.

The suspension, originally implemented by the U.S. Department of State in January, was intended to facilitate additional screening for applicants from countries deemed at higher risk of relying on public assistance. However, the court found that blocking visas based solely on citizenship exceeded the legal authority of the Secretary of State and violated immigration and nationality laws.

The ruling effectively nullifies the suspension that had been in place since August 21. While previously issued visas remain valid and the interview process continued during the suspension, the final issuance of visas had been halted. Citizens of the affected nations may now resume the final stages of the immigrant visa application process, provided they meet all other standard requirements.