US federal judge strikes down Trump’s permanent visa freeze on 75 countries

Policy blocking visas by nationality deemed unlawful by federal judge

A cable that Rubio sent to every diplomatic and consular post, and which was entered into the case record, directed officers to refuse applicants even when someone “provides additional evidence that demonstrates he or she overcomes the public charge refusal.”

A federal judge in New York has vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended the processing of visas from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia, whose nationals the Trump administration deemed likely to require public assistance in the United States.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, set aside the policy Friday as “contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority.”