Court blocks ban on issuing immigrant (“Green Card”) visas for applicants from 75 countries
This summary is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and is not legal advice.
On Aug. 21, 2026, a federal judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that a U.S. Department of State ban on issuing immigrant visas to people from 75 countries is unlawful.
The nationality-based ban applied to all applicants for immigrant visas who were from the designated countries who were outside the United States and seeking immigrant visas through U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. The case is
The court found that the policy violated federal immigration law by discriminating based on nationality and ordered the federal government to immediately stop enforcing the policy.
The decision is expected to apply nationwide.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will continue to monitor developments and update this article if additional information becomes available.
As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you!