Federal judge strikes down Trump-era visa ban affecting 75 countries

A federal judge in New York has overturned a Trump administration policy that halted visa processing for 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia, based on the belief that their nationals would likely need public assistance in the United States. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, appointed by former President Joe Biden, declared the policy "unlawful and exceeding statutory authority" on Friday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority by implementing the policy, which "runs contrary" to the Immigration and Nationality Act by unilaterally denying visas to eligible applicants without legal justification. The judge emphasized that the power lies with consular officers, who have exclusive authority and discretion to determine an immigrant's eligibility based on specific criteria outlined in the statute.

Vargas argued that the policy undermines the congressional mandate to entrust consular officers with the decision-making process.