On June 5, 2026, a federal judge in Rhode Island struck down a Trump administration immigration policy that effectively blocked key immigration benefits for individuals from approximately 39 countries.
The policy had suspended adjudication of applications for:
- Asylum
- Work permits (EADs)
- Green cards
- Citizenship
Background: Policy and Legal Challenge
The challenged policy was introduced following a 2025 National Guard shooting, with the administration citing national security concerns. It targeted individuals from countries labeled “high risk,” including nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Rather than formally denying applications, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a set of measures that:
- Placed a freeze on processing immigration benefits
- Required additional reviews based on nationality
- Suspended decisions indefinitely for affected applicants
As a result, many individuals already residing lawfully in the U.S. were unable to renew work authorization, obtain status, or move forward with applications, leading to job loss and legal uncertainty.
The policy was challenged in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS, filed by immigration advocacy groups and labor organizations. The plaintiffs argued that the government had exceeded its authority and created a system that effectively discriminated based on country of origin.
Court Ruling
U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. ruled that the policy was:
- Contrary to law
- Arbitrary and capricious
- Implemented without proper legal authority
The court criticized U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for:
- Failing to provide adequate justification
- Ignoring reliance interests of applicants
- Using national security concerns as a pretext for discriminatory practices
The ruling emphasizes that immigration policies cannot restrict lawful pathways or discriminate based on country of origin.
Policies Struck Down
The decision vacated several related measures, including:
- A broad freeze on immigration benefits
- A global asylum hold policy
- Additional country-specific review requirements
Together, these policies had created widespread legal uncertainty for affected individuals and families.
Implications
The decision is expected to:
- Allow processing of previously paused applications to resume
- Restore access to work permits and immigration benefits
- Reduce legal uncertainty for affected foreign nationals
For employers, the ruling may help stabilize workforce planning where employees were previously unable to renew or obtain authorization.
Further guidance from DHS and USCIS is expected as implementation of the court’s decision moves forward.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.