A U.S. judge ruled to overturn the Trump administration's order suspending immigrant visa issuance for citizens from 75 countries, stating it violated laws banning nationality-based discrimination.
Foreign news agencies reported on 22 Aug 2026 that a U.S. district judge canceled the Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, calling it "illegal" and beyond the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The issue stems from a January order by the U.S. State Department to pause immigrant visa issuance to citizens from nearly 40% of countries worldwide, including Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, and Russia, citing concerns that immigrants might become "public welfare and benefit burdens."
Judge Jeannette Vargas of the Manhattan District Court stated that under law, consular officers must evaluate whether someone will become a public charge based on that individual's financial status, age, health, skills, and family situation on a case-by-case basis. However, the policy instead denied visas solely based on the applicant's country of origin.
Judge Vargas added that the policy violates the 1965 law prohibiting nationality discrimination in visa issuance and breaches regulations barring the Secretary of State from interfering with consular officers' individual decisions.
Notably, the State Department's visa suspension affected permanent visas for those seeking to live with family or work in the U.S., but did not cover temporary visas such as tourist or student visas.
This ruling represents another setback for the Trump administration's efforts to restrict immigration. The judge allowed both parties until 11 September to propose ways to address remaining case issues, while the government may appeal the decision.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cnn