Federal judge strikes down Trump policy suspending processing of immigration visas from 75 countries

The decision affects countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia

Published: August 22, 2026 6:53pm

A federal judge in New York has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, ruling that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his legal authority.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled Friday that the policy was “contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority.” 

The decision affects countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia.

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