A United States federal judge has struck down a policy suspending immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries.
The affected countries included Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Bosnia and Albania.
US District Judge Jeannette Vargas issued the ruling in Manhattan on Friday. She found that the policy exceeded the secretary of state’s legal authority.
The judge described the State Department measure as unlawful. She said it conflicted with the federal legal framework governing immigrant Visa decisions.
Court Rejects Nationality-Based Suspension
The State Department introduced the policy in January 2026. It paused immigrant Visa issuance for nationals of 75 listed countries.
The department said nationals from these countries faced a higher risk of becoming public charges. This term covers people likely to depend on government assistance.
The policy became effective on January 21, 2026. Applicants could still submit documents and attend scheduled interviews.
However, consular officials could not issue immigrant visas to affected applicants. Limited exceptions applied to certain cases and eligible dual nationals.
The official list included countries across South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Several countries from Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean were also included.
Pakistan appeared on the State Department’s official list of affected nationalities. US State Department
Judge Questions Secretary’s Authority
Judge Vargas ruled that the blanket restriction went beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statutory powers.
She said immigration law limits the secretary’s control over consular officers deciding individual applications.
The judge also found that nationality alone could not replace the existing legal assessment process.
Under federal law, consular officers can consider whether an applicant may become a public charge.
However, that decision normally requires an individual review of relevant circumstances. US State Department visa law guidance
The court found that the policy instead created a broad nationality-based prohibition.
Lawsuit Filed by Applicants and Rights Groups
Immigrant rights organisations challenged the suspension alongside affected Visa applicants. US citizens sponsoring foreign family members also joined the case.
They argued that the measure separated families and prevented lawful immigration processing.
The ruling removes the challenged blanket policy. However, it does not guarantee approval for every applicant.
Applicants must still meet normal immigration, security, financial and documentation requirements.
The US government could also seek further legal review. The State Department had not immediately announced its next step following the ruling.
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The decision may provide relief for Pakistani applicants affected by the January suspension. Their cases can now proceed under the regular legal framework.
