Judge Strikes Down Trump’s Immigrant Visa Ban Affecting 75 Countries

A U.S. federal judge in New York has invalidated a Trump-era policy that had halted the processing of immigrant visas for individuals from 75 nations. The ruling, issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan, determined that the policy exceeded the authority of the Secretary of State and was contrary to federal immigration law. The judge described the measure, which began in January, as "patently unlawful" and in violation of a 1965 immigration act prohibiting nationality-based discrimination in visa issuance.

The suspended policy had targeted applicants from various regions, including Latin American, Balkan, South Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean countries, based on the assertion that they posed a high risk of becoming a "public charge" and relying on government resources in the United States. However, Judge Vargas found that the policy improperly imposed a blanket ban rather than allowing for individualized assessments as required by law.

In her decision, Judge Vargas not only struck down the ban but also vacated any visa denials that were based solely on this policy. The State Department has been directed to reinstate the lawful, case-by-case evaluation of immigrant visa applications, offering a significant victory to immigrant rights groups and the families affected by the restrictions.