A federal judge blocked enforcement of the immigration processing suspension in place for the past several months. The decision overturns a government suspension on processing immigration visas from thirty-nine different countries. According to CBS, the ruling overturns a ban in place since late 2025.
Context
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused immigration processing for multiple countries, such as Haiti and Somalia, in December, 2025. The affected countries, listed as “high risk”, had a high chance of immigration applicants posing national security or public safety threats. The move came after two national guard members were attacked by an Afghan national that entered the country via an asylum program. In their decision, the judge rule USCIS didn’t have the authority to deny processing or entry to individuals that applied legally.
Impact
For the past seven months, USCIS was banned from approving immigration applications or granting green cards to individuals from these countries. The move paused the immigration and green card applications for hundreds of thousands of people. This decision effectively lifts the travel ban, barring any government appeal.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.