A federal judge in Manhattan on Friday overturned a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The ruling marks a setback to the administration's immigration crackdown.
The judge ruled that the measure, announced by the State Department in January, was patently unlawful and contrary to law. The decision stated that the policy exceeded the State Department's legal authority and the statutory authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The suspension targeted applicants from 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, and Somalia. While the court has struck down the measure, the government can appeal the decision.