A Rhode Island judge has vacated and set aside U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies that targeted individuals from 39 countries affected by the travel ban. This ruling, issued by Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., addresses a freeze on work permits and other benefits that had been in place for the past six months.
Judge McConnell criticized the policies, stating, “When USCIS first enacted the policies at the center of this litigation, the agency did not simply place a hold on adjudications. More fundamentally, the Challenged Policies placed the lives of countless individuals on hold—solely by virtue of their countries of birth.” He noted that many affected individuals remain without work, legal status, or any meaningful ability to plan for their futures.
Key Details:
- Judge McConnell’s ruling vacates policies affecting individuals from 39 travel ban countries.
- The policies included a freeze on work permits and other immigration benefits.
- The freeze had been in effect for six months prior to the ruling.
- Many individuals remain without work or legal status as a result of these policies.
This decision is expected to have significant implications for the affected immigrants, allowing them to seek work and stability in the U.S. moving forward. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.