A new ruling by a federal judge in the US has offered some relief to dozens of immigrant green card aspirants who are from countries listed on Donald Trump’s current travel ban list.
Maryland District Judge George L Russell III has ruled that immigration authorities can’t pause green card applications filed by immigrants linked to countries flagged by the current administration. In a 39-page ruling issued Friday and published Monday, the judge ruled the policy categorically and indefinitely pausing green card applications for such petitioners unlawful.
“USCIS does not have discretion to decide not to adjudicate at all,” the Maryland judge wrote, pushing for the continuation of green card applications.
Who have been impacted by the green card policy ruling?
The case in question represents 83 immigrants who are already in the US. It pertains to issues highlighted by those impacted by a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy that paused applications from all immigrants from the 39 countries that were hit by Trump’s total travel ban or restrictions on new visas.
As quoted by Newsweek, the judge highlighted in his ruling that many plaintiffs “have already been admitted to the United States, some for years or over a decade,” maintaining lawful status as well.
On the other hand, immigrants not listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit could still face application snags, as the ruling doesn’t push USCIS to get rid of the freeze across the board. But with Judge Russell now flagging an indefinite and categorical pause on applications as unlawful, others with similar issues related to delayed green card applications could also find a positive breakthrough.
Akin to the US judge’s statement about many applicants steering clear of any brushes with the law, Project Press Unpause, a campaign tracking the applications freeze, told Newsweek, “This sends a clear message that this policy is arbitrary and capricious. Most of us have been in the country for 5+ years with no issues with the law, dedicated tax payers and were even granted national interest waivers because of the work that we do.”
“We are legal immigrants (the kind of immigrants this administration claims to only want), have contributed positively to the US economy but are now placed under an indefinite hold because of our country of birth – something we cannot control.” The campaign estimated that USCIS has amassed over $1 billion in fees from over 2 million stalled applications.
USCIS responds to new ruling
Although Judge Russell has ordered to the USCIS to continue processing applications of those roped into the case, an agency spokesperson countered the stance.
Defending the USCIS policy, a spokesperson told Newsweek, “USCIS has paused all adjudications for aliens from high-risk countries while USCIS works to ensure that all aliens from these countries are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The pause will allow for a comprehensive examination of all pending benefit requests for aliens from the designated high-risk countries. The safety of the American people always come first.”
Trump’s ‘Expanded Travel Ban’ list
Effective January 21, 2026, the US State Department paused all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Initially, the list included 19 countries, the Trump admin expanded the list to include 20 more last year, citing national security reasons. The ‘Expanded Travel Ban’ took effect on January 1, 2026.
Trump vs immigration judges
Beyond these restrictions, the Trump admin has been especially targeting immigration judges ever since the MAGA leader’s second term kicked off in January 2025. According to a Washington Post report, many immigration judges quit or retired of their volition following Trump’s return to office. On top of that, more than 100 were reportedly fired by the US Justice Department.
The WaPo report further suggested that the current administration has hired more than 140 immigration judges, replacing those who have been sacked, as part of its bid to carry out the largest deportation campaign in the US. Moreover, the report underscored that many of those brought in as replacement have no relevant legal experience in the field.
“They’re trying to create a malleable workforce that will do what they want without question,” former ICE official Kerry Doyle, who was hired under the Joe Biden administration, told the outlet. “That’s what I think the goal is.”
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or tax advice. Immigration laws and government policies are subject to frequent change without notice. While we strive to provide accurate updates, readers are strongly advised to verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or government portal of the respective country. Financial Express is not responsible for any decisions made based on this information. For personalized guidance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney or a certified professional advisor.