Thousands of immigrants in the United States have received new hope after a federal court rejected the administration’s request to temporarily suspend the implementation of a ruling that overturned controversial policies of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The decision confirms that the agency must resume processing applications that had been delayed for months.
The case, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS, stems from a June 5 ruling by U.S. District Judge John McConnell, who found that USCIS had unlawfully suspended or slowed the processing of applications for asylum, work permits, green cards, U.S. citizenship, and other immigration benefits for nationals of 39 countries covered by restrictive measures introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration. The court concluded that the internal policies lacked a legal basis and ordered that they be rescinded.
Following the ruling, USCIS said it disagreed with the decision but would comply with it while the appeals process is ongoing. The agency confirmed that it would no longer apply the disputed guidelines and would resume processing all applications that had been frozen because of them.
Administration’s appeal rejected
The administration subsequently appealed the ruling and requested that its implementation be temporarily suspended until the appellate proceedings were completed. However, on July 15, the federal court denied that request, meaning the ruling remains in effect and USCIS must continue processing applications while the appeal is pending.
What does this ruling mean for applicants?
For thousands of people, the decision represents significant relief, as their applications will once again be reviewed instead of remaining indefinitely on hold. However, it is important to emphasize the following two key points:
The ruling does not automatically grant asylum, a green card, a work permit, or U.S. citizenship. It simply requires USCIS to process each application and issue a decision in accordance with the law.
The ruling also does not affect the existing entry restrictions into the United States that remain in place for certain countries. It applies only to the way USCIS processes applications submitted by individuals who are already within the U.S. immigration system.
MORE TOPICS:
FROM AMMUNITION TO DRONES: How Serbia became one of Israel’s most important partners in Europe!
Source: Serbian Times, Foto: Reuters