Judge strikes down Trump policy that suspended immigrant visas for 75 countries
A U.S. district judge said the policy "is contrary to law and was issued in excess of Secretary Rubio's statutory authority."
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled against a policy implemented by the Trump administration that suspended immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries. The policy, announced in January by the State Department, was deemed invalid by the judge, who stated it exceeded the authority of Secretary Rubio and conflicted with federal immigration law.
The judge's decision vacates visa denials based solely on the policy and requires those cases to be reconsidered by consular officers under the normal immigration laws. The policy aimed to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits, but the judge argued it directly abrogated the statutory scheme granting consular officers exclusive authority to determine visa eligibility.
The suspension of lawful visa processing for these 75 countries separated families, according to Anna Gallagher, executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., who filed the lawsuit challenging the policy. The judge's ruling affirms the rule of law and allows families to reunite, emphasizing the dignity of every person and the family as the foundation of society. The State Department has not yet commented on the decision or indicated it will appeal.
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