US judge strikes down Trump immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries

A federal judge in New York recently vacated a Trump administration policy that had suspended the processing of immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries. The ruling, issued on Friday, August 22, 2026, found that the "public charge" ban, which targeted nationals deemed likely to require public assistance, exceeded the Secretary of State's authority and violated federal immigration law by discriminating based on nationality. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, a Biden appointee, ordered the State Department to reinstate lawful, individualized evaluations for visa applicants and to set aside any denials based solely on the now-overturned policy. This decision is being hailed by immigration advocates as a significant victory for family reunification and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's family is attempting to block a BBC subpoena in a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against the broadcaster. The lawsuit centers on a 2024 BBC Panorama documentary that Trump claims falsely depicted him inciting violence during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The BBC sought to subpoena Trump's children, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, along with son-in-law Jared Kushner, arguing they possess relevant information regarding Trump's intentions during his speech. Trump's legal team is opposing these subpoenas, asserting the BBC is attempting to gain "politically-driven leverage" and that serving them in person has been difficult due to Secret Service protection. The BBC has acknowledged an "error in judgment" in editing the documentary but denies defamation, with the trial set for February 2027 in Florida.