Trump administration sued over visa freeze on immigrants from 75 countries

The Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit Over Visa Freeze

A coalition of civil rights organizations and U.S. citizens has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 countries.

The policy, which went into effect on January 21, imposes restrictions on countries primarily outside Europe with non-white majority populations. Countries affected include Afghanistan, Somalia, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Russia, and Cambodia. The lawsuit claims this represents a nationality-based ban that strips families and workers of their legal immigration rights.

The complaint, filed in Manhattan federal court, argues that the law has never deemed individuals inadmissible merely because they may need public benefits or private assistance. It emphasizes the lawful process of integration and economic growth. Plaintiffs include a Colombian physician who was approved for an Einstein Visa but became ineligible due to the freeze.

A study by the Cato Institute reveals that immigrants consume about 24% less in welfare benefits than native-born Americans, suggesting positive selection and limited access to benefits. This challenges the rationale behind the visa suspension.

The lawsuit seeks to enforce individualized assessments for visa applicants rather than nationality-based discrimination. It is brought by organizations like the National Immigration Law Center, Democracy Forward, and The Legal Aid Society on behalf of plaintiffs separated from family members due to the policy.