Overview
- The National Immigration Law Center and partner organizations filed a 106-page complaint in Manhattan federal court seeking an injunction against the Jan. 21 policy.
- The State Department describes the move as a temporary pause linked to public-charge concerns and a broader review of screening and vetting procedures.
- The lawsuit contends the suspension discriminates by nationality and disregards the Immigration and Nationality Act’s requirement for individualized public-charge assessments.
- Plaintiffs include U.S. citizens separated from relatives and a Colombian endocrinologist approved for an employment-based visa who cannot receive it because Colombia is on the list.
- The affected countries span multiple regions, non-immigrant visas remain exempt, the government has not disclosed selection criteria, and officials declined comment on the litigation.