A US federal judge on Friday invalidated a series of restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on legal immigration from 39 countries, following a shooting incident involving an Afghan immigrant. The ruling, issued by District Judge John McConnell, declared that the measures targeting asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications were unlawful.
Background of the Case
The restrictions were enacted after a November 26, 2025 shooting in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan man who had immigrated to the United States after the Taliban takeover in Kabul attacked two National Guard soldiers, killing one. In response, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented policies that halted or delayed processing of applications from nationals of 39 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Judge's Ruling
In a 135-page ruling, Judge McConnell criticized the USCIS actions, stating they "threw the lives of countless immigrants living in the United States into indeterminate legal limbo." He emphasized that the delays were not due to any wrongdoing by the applicants but solely based on their countries of origin. "Over six months later, many of those individuals remain without work, without legal status, and without any meaningful ability to plan for their futures," McConnell wrote.
The judge further noted that USCIS used "pretextual concerns of 'national security' that mask anti-immigrant sentiments." He referenced a common saying in immigration policy: "If people wish to immigrate to the United States, they ought to 'follow the law' and 'do things the right way.' This case serves as a perfect example of immigrants doing just that."
Legal Basis
McConnell, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, clarified that his role was not to judge the wisdom of the government's policies but to ensure they complied with the law. He concluded, "The court concludes that they do not. USCIS's actions are contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious."
Reactions
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, praised the ruling, stating it "reaffirms a basic principle: the federal government cannot shut down lawful immigration pathways or discriminate against people based on where they come from." Perryman added, "These unlawful policies caused enormous harm to families, workers, asylum seekers, and communities across the country who were left in limbo, unable to work, access protections, or move forward with their lives."
