According to a federal district court, the indefinite and blanket stop to processing immigration applications in the USA is unlawful.
June 5, 2026, 8:43 p.mJune 5, 2026, 8:43 p.m
The US immigration agency USCIS has taken a series of measures that have put the lives of countless immigrants “in an uncertain legal limbo,” wrote Judge John J. McConnell in his judgment. The pause is not compatible with the law.
US President Donald Trump is politically responsible for the controversial measures.Image: keystone
Last winter, USCIS decided to suspend any final decisions on green cards, work permits and naturalizations for people from 39 countries. In addition, a stop was imposed on all asylum decisions – regardless of the applicant’s country of origin.
A green card allows foreign nationals to permanently reside and work in the United States.
Judge: No wrongdoing on the part of the applicants
McConnell further criticized the fact that the suspensions were not due to any misconduct on the part of the applicants, but solely to their country of birth. He emphasized that the applicants had complied with all obligations and rules – be it submitting the required documents or paying the required fees.
At the end of November, the USCIS announced that it would suspend all asylum decisions until further notice after an Afghan allegedly shot two National Guardsmen. One soldier died from her injuries. Shortly after the crime, the USCIS also announced a comprehensive review of “all foreigners from all problem countries”.
(sda/dpa)