US judge strikes down Trump’s 75-country visa ban

A US federal judge has struck down the Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries, calling the policy 'contrary to law'. The ruling, issued on Friday by Judge Jeannette Vargas in the Southern District of New York, found that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his statutory authority in ordering the ban. The policy, which took effect in January, had targeted countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Thailand and Yemen.

Judge Vargas ruled that consular officers were wrongly directed to refuse visas solely based on an applicant's nationality, even when the applicant was otherwise eligible. She wrote that the policy 'represents a direct abrogation' of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives consular officers exclusive authority to assess individual applications. The ruling vacates any visa denial based only on the policy. The government may appeal.

The challenge was brought by two non-profit organisations and 11 individuals. Anna Gallagher, executive director of CLINIC, welcomed the decision, saying it keeps families together. The State Department said it is protecting Americans through rigorous vetting and would not comment on pending litigation. The ruling is the latest legal setback for Trump's immigration agenda, following a June decision that struck down restrictions on asylum and work permits for immigrants from dozens of countries.