A federal judge ruled U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio lacked authority to order immigrant-visa denials for applicants from 75 countries deemed at high risk of becoming dependent on public benefits. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas vacated the State Department policy and any visa refusals based solely on it, directing the government to revisit those cases.
WHO:U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; U.S. State Department
WHAT:Judge vacates the State Department’s policy freezing immigrant-visa issuance and visa denials tied to nationals of 75 countries.
WHEN:Aug 21, 2026
WHERE:Manhattan, USA
WHY:The policy was contrary to law and issued in excess of Rubio’s statutory authority.
