Immigration court alert: Reports show some hearings are being moved on days’ notice, and some people are never told. Missing a hearing, even by mistake, can lead to a deportation order. Check your hearing date and location now, and do not face court without a lawyer.
A federal judge ruled in CLINIC v. Rubio that the State Department’s January 2026 pause on immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries was contrary to law and beyond the Secretary of State’s authority, and that it illegally discriminated on the basis of nationality. The ruling vacated the policy and set aside visa denials based only on it. The State Department says the pause is no longer in effect. On August 26, The Washington Post reported that the State Department paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide, saying staff need training. The ruling concerned the 75-country pause; the separate entry restrictions in Presidential Proclamation 10998 (39 countries and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents), in effect since January 1, 2026, are a different policy.
What this may mean: If you have an immigrant visa case abroad, confirm your interview status directly with the consulate before making travel plans. The litigation is ongoing and appeals are possible.
Sources: NPR · CNN · State Department · The Washington Post · Congressional Research Service on the travel ban
This page provides general information about a public development in immigration law and policy. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may be out of date. Immigration law changes quickly, and how a development applies to you depends on your facts. Links go to third-party websites that Barrie Legal does not control. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Every case is different. Book a consultation to talk through your situation with attorney Fatmata Barrie.
Book a Consultation