A federal judge in Boston has overturned a Trump administration policy that made it more difficult for immigrants from numerous countries to remain and enter the U.S. U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. criticized the administration, stating the policy placed many immigrants in indefinite legal uncertainty. He accused the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of ignoring legal requirements.

Judge McConnell wrote that the USCIS overstepped its authority, made decisions without necessary explanations, and disregarded applicants’ interests. He also noted the agency used ‘national security’ as a pretext to mask anti-immigrant sentiments, labeling their actions as contrary to law and arbitrary.

This ruling affects policies enforced after a shooting involving two National Guard members. These policies blocked immigrants from 39 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East from finalizing decisions on asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications.

Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, commented, “This ruling reaffirms the principle that the federal government cannot obstruct lawful immigration or discriminate based on national origin.” She highlighted the harm caused to families and communities, leaving them unable to work or move forward with their lives.

The policies targeted the USCIS, which processes applications for immigrants to gain work permits and citizenship. This ruling does not impact immigration judges who handle cases of those stopped at the border. It focuses on cases within the USCIS involving individuals from the affected countries.

The decision impacts all pending USCIS cases related to affected countries, noted Shev Dalal-Dheini of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Dalal-Dheini described it as a legal victory ensuring immigration pathways remain open.

This policy change followed a National Guard shooting incident involving an Afghan suspect. The government, in its motion to dismiss, claimed that it had broad authority over immigration policy, including enacting discretionary benefits and restrictions.

Immigration advocates welcomed the ruling. Jamal Abdi of the National Iranian American Council stated that the ruling affirms the nation’s legal processes and challenges discriminatory policies.

Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran leading Afghan resettlement efforts, hailed the decision as a win for the rule of law. He shared stories of families fearing loss of jobs, postponed education, and stalled citizenship applications.