Federal Judge Overturns Immigration Restrictions Affecting Applicants From 39 Countries
A United States federal judge has invalidated immigration policies introduced during the Trump administration that had stalled or restricted applications from nationals of 39 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
The ruling, delivered by Chief District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island, found that the policies unlawfully prevented affected individuals from obtaining decisions on applications for asylum, work permits, permanent residency and citizenship.
According to the court, the measures placed thousands of applicants in prolonged uncertainty despite their compliance with all required legal procedures. The judge noted that immigration authorities failed to process the applications within a reasonable timeframe, leaving many in legal uncertainty for extended periods.
McConnell further held that the policies were introduced without proper legal backing and were influenced by discriminatory considerations tied to nationality. He emphasized that administrative agencies must operate within the limits of the law and cannot allow bias to influence decision-making.
The case was brought forward by a coalition of immigrant advocacy organisations and labour groups, who argued that the restrictions unlawfully targeted individuals based on their countries of origin. The court agreed, ruling that the affected policies were inconsistent with US immigration law.
In response, legal representatives for the plaintiffs welcomed the decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of equal treatment under immigration rules and due process protections.
