Story perspectives

Judge Vargas Blocks Trump’s 75-Country Visa Ban

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas struck down U.S. President Donald Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa ban.
The ban barred immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, claiming they would become charges.
Vargas held the ban violated the Immigration and Nationality Act’s prohibition on nationality discrimination.
The decision vacated the ban and nullified denials based solely on nationality.
Court ordered parties to submit proposals on remaining claims by September 11.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, ending the National Origins Formula and opening U.S. immigration to Asia, Africa and Latin America. The law spurred immigration that raised the foreign-born share from 5 % in 1965 to 14 % by 2016. In 2024 Judge Jeannette A. Vargas struck down the Trump administration’s 75-country visa ban, invoking the act’s anti-discrimination principle.

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Story summary

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas struck down U.S. President Donald Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa ban.
The ban barred immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, claiming they would become charges.
Vargas held the ban violated the Immigration and Nationality Act’s prohibition on nationality discrimination.
The decision vacated the ban and nullified denials based solely on nationality.
Court ordered parties to submit proposals on remaining claims by September 11.

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