Story perspectives

Judge Declares Trump Asylum Ban for 39 Nations Unlawful

6/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge John McConnell ruled that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies adopted under President Donald Trump, which barred asylum, work and citizenship for 39 nationalities, are unlawful.
McConnell said the measures discriminated on birth and breached statutes and law.
Rules, enacted after a November 26, 2025 shooting in Washington, were challenged by coalition in March and denounced sabotage by James Percival, general counsel for Department of Homeland Security.

History

Historical Context

In January 2017 President Donald Trump signed EO 13769, limiting refugee admissions to 50,000 and suspending entry from seven Muslim-majority countries. Federal courts issued nationwide TROs, including Judge James Robart’s February 3 order, prompting the replacement EO 13780. The judicial trend persisted when Judge John McConnell in 2025 invalidated a USCIS rule barring asylum for 39 nationalities, reinforcing courts’ check on executive immigration authority.

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Story summary

Judge John McConnell ruled that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies adopted under President Donald Trump, which barred asylum, work and citizenship for 39 nationalities, are unlawful.
McConnell said the measures discriminated on birth and breached statutes and law.
Rules, enacted after a November 26, 2025 shooting in Washington, were challenged by coalition in March and denounced sabotage by James Percival, general counsel for Department of Homeland Security.

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