Politics · India Bureau
US court blocks Trump visa suspension policy for 75 countries
A federal judge in New York has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia. The judge ruled the policy violated immigration law and exceeded the Secretary of State's authority.
LSN India ·
US District Judge Jeannette Vargas on Friday vacated the policy that suspended visa processing for nationals of nations the Trump administration identified as likely to require public assistance in the United States. The judge found the policy "contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's directive violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by mandating visa refusals to eligible applicants without legal basis, the judge ruled. The policy effectively stripped consular officers of their congressionally granted discretion to evaluate visa applications based on specific, detailed criteria.
Vargas emphasized that Congress had granted consular officers exclusive authority to determine visa eligibility through individual assessment. The suspended policy circumvented this requirement by implementing a blanket approach based solely on applicants' countries of origin, undermining the statutory framework governing visa decisions.
The ruling represents a significant legal setback for the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have faced multiple court challenges since taking office. The decision restores the visa processing authority to consular officers at US embassies and consulates worldwide.