Federal Judge Blocks Immigration Restrictions Affecting 39 Countries

In early June of 2026, multiple sources reported that a federal judge had blocked the Trump Administration from carrying out various restrictions against noncitizens of 39 countries. The move is yet another development in the “rollercoaster ride” of US immigration policy, and many immigrants are beyond confused about their next steps. If you’d like to try to make sense of these recent changes, consider speaking with a Palm Beach County immigration lawyer.

Federal Judge Orders USCIS to Begin Processing Countless Suspended Green Card Applications 

In 2025, the current administration introduced a number of policies targeting 39 countries on a “ban list.” The administration said that the move was necessary for national security purposes, especially after a high-profile terrorist attack against members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. In June of 2026, a federal judge ruled that these policies were unlawful and ordered USCIS to resume processing applications.

The administration characterized this freeze as a “permanent pause” on applicants coming from nations like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Somalia. Venezuela and Iran are also on the list. Four policies sprang out of this general move: One was a general ban on approving all applications for naturalization, green cards, work permits, and visa petitions filed by anyone from the 39 countries.

Another change required immigration officials to “deduct points” from applications originating from the 39 countries. A third policy required immigration officials to review any recently approved applications originating from the 39 countries. Finally, USCIS was ordered to suspend the approval of asylum applications originating from countries on the “ban list.”

Judge Finds that Discrimination Based on National Origin Is Unlawful

The federal judge in question presented numerous justifications for shutting down all four of these policies. First, the judge showed that under US immigration law, the government is obligated to make decisions on applications “in regular order.” Although the government may be able to delay processing certain applications, it cannot simply freeze this process outright.

In addition, the judge cited a law that made it illegal to discriminate against certain applicants purely on the basis of their national origin. The judge also challenged the government’s rationale for banning applicants from countries like Cuba and Venezuela because of an attack carried out by an Afghan.

Hundreds of Thousands of Immigrants May Have a Window of Opportunity 

Although this federal judge certainly has the authority to challenge the administration, the government can appeal the decision in various ways. As a result, there may only be a short window of opportunity for anyone from a country on the ban list. USCIS is obligated to process applications that were previously paused, but it makes sense to act sooner rather than later.

Can a Palm Beach County Immigration Lawyer Help Me?

If you’re curious about how recent court decisions and policy changes might affect your pathway toward a green card, consider having a more detailed discussion with an immigration lawyer in Palm Beach County. With immigration laws and policies changing so frequently, up-to-date legal guidance has never been more important. Contact The Devore Law Group at 561-478-5353 to learn more.

Sources: 

courthousenews.com/judge-blocks-trumps-sweeping-freeze-on-immigration-benefits-for-39-countries/

americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/court-blocks-uscis-immigration-pause-39-countries/