Judge Blocks Trump Visa Freeze on 75 Countries, Citing Excessive Authority

A federal judge in New York has blocked a Trump administration policy that suspended visa processing for nationals from 75 countries. The decision was made by US District Judge Jeannette Vargas, an appointee of former President Joe Biden.

The policy, which was issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed to deny visas to applicants from countries deemed likely to require public assistance in the US. However, the judge ruled that this policy exceeded Rubio's authority and contradicted the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Vargas set aside the policy as 'contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority', stating that it mandatorily refused visas to eligible applicants without any basis in law. The countries affected by the suspended visa processing include Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia.