US judge strikes down Trump's 75-country visa ban

A US federal judge has invalidated a visa ban imposed by the Trump administration on nationals from 75 countries, casting doubt on President Trump's recent immigration crackdown. In a Friday ruling from the Southern District of New York, Judge Jeannette Vargas declared the policy "contrary to law," stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had overstepped his statutory authority in implementing it.

The ban, effective in January, suspended the processing of immigrant visas for individuals from nations such as Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Thailand, and Yemen. The State Department had claimed the decision aimed to prevent high-risk countries' nationals from exploiting US welfare systems or becoming public charges. However, Vargas ruled that consular officers were improperly instructed to deny visas solely based on the applicant's country of origin, disregarding their individual eligibility.

The judge's ruling invalidates any visa denials solely based on this policy, but the government retains the right to appeal the decision. Trump had promised during his campaign to deport millions of undocumented migrants, and since returning to the White House, he has increased deportations and tightened border control measures.