U.S. judge strikes down President Donald Trump's 75-country visa ban
A U.S. federal judge has struck down a visa ban policy that restricted entry for nationals from 75 countries. The court ruled that the State Department exceeded its statutory authority by denying visas based solely on country of origin.
Why it matters
This ruling challenges the executive branch's immigration enforcement powers and impacts international travel and diplomatic relations for dozens of nations.
A U.S. federal judge has struck down a government ban on visas to nationals from 75 countries who wish to settle in the country indefinitely, dealing a blow to U.S. President Donald Trump 's immigration crackdown.
In a ruling issued on Friday (August 21, 2026) in the Southern District of New York, Judge Jeannette Vargas called the policy "contrary to law" and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his "statutory authority" in issuing it.
The policy, which came into force in January, suspended the processing of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Thailand and Yemen.
At that time, the State Department had said the decision was made "to ensure that immigrants from high-risk countries do not unlawfully utilise welfare in the United States or become a public charge."
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