Legal Clash: Visa Policy Pause Sparks Federal Lawsuit

Several civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the State Department for halting immigrant visa processing for 75 countries. The lawsuit claims the policy bases its justification on false claims about immigrants becoming public charges. The legal action aims to reverse the policy affecting families and professionals worldwide.

In a significant legal development, civil rights organizations have launched a lawsuit against the State Department over its recent decision to pause the processing of immigrant visas for citizens from 75 countries. Filed in a Manhattan federal court, the lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt this policy, which was implemented on January 21.

The complaint argues that the State Department's policy relies on erroneous claims that nationals from the affected countries migrate to the U.S. to improperly benefit from cash welfare, making them likely to become 'public charges.' As of now, the State Department has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

The lawsuit involves the National Immigration Law Center and various groups representing plaintiffs such as U.S. citizens separated from their families due to this policy. Among those affected is a Colombian endocrinologist approved for an employment-based visa but unable to obtain it due to the policy. This pause affects applicants from Latin American, Balkan, South Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean countries, although it does not impact U.S. visitor visas amid international events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)