Judge rules USCIS benefits freeze for 39 travel‑ban countries unlawful
U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island vacated a Trump-era U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy that froze work permits, asylum adjudications, and other immigration benefits for applicants from 39 countries subject to travel bans. USCIS had imposed a global hold that paused decisions on employment authorization documents, asylum filings, and other applications, leaving many people unable to renew status or obtain authorization to work. The freeze already forced immigrants out of jobs, including healthcare positions and critical research roles, and delayed family reunifications. Vacating the policy clears the way for USCIS to resume processing, which could restore work authorization and other benefits for thousands and ease staffing shortfalls.
