A federal court in the U.S. ruled illegal the restrictions on processing applications for legal immigrants from dozens of countries imposed by the Trump administration after the attack on National Guard troops last year.
A federal court in the United States has overturned a number of restrictions that President Donald Trump’s administration imposed on immigrants from 39 countries following a high-profile attack in Washington at the end of last year.
The decision was made by U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island. He ruled that the restrictions on processing asylum applications, issuing work permits, obtaining green cards, and citizenship are contrary to the law.
The controversial measures were introduced after the events of November 26, 2025, when an immigrant from Afghanistan opened fire on U.S. National Guard troops. As a result of the attack, two people were injured, one of whom later died. Following this, U.S. authorities tightened the procedures for processing immigration applications for citizens from several countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The court concluded that the imposed restrictions effectively placed thousands of people in a state of prolonged uncertainty. Many applicants were unable to receive decisions on their documents, work permits, or confirmation of legal status for months.
What is important to know: the court's decision pertains not to illegal immigration, but to people who were already in lawful processes for obtaining asylum, work permits, residency, or citizenship.
In his ruling, the judge noted that after more than six months, many individuals affected by the restrictions remain unable to work fully and make plans for the future.
McConnell also criticized the authorities' arguments, stating that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services used references to national security issues as justification for measures that effectively led to widespread delays in processing applications.
The lawsuit against federal authorities was filed by several organizations advocating for immigrant rights.
However, this story is likely not over. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision, so the final fate of the restrictions may be determined in higher courts.
The case has become another episode in the ongoing confrontation between the White House and the judicial system over U.S. immigration policy.
