Published：May 22, 16:00Last updated：Jun 8, 00:07

Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Immigration Policies Affecting 39 Countries

May. 22, 2026 16:00

On May 22, the US government announced a policy change requiring foreign nationals applying for green cards to return to their home countries to submit their applications. This shift from the previous in-country processing has raised humanitarian concerns, particularly for families facing potential separation. Exceptions may be made for those deemed to bring "economic benefits" or align with "national interests." The policy affects approximately 600,000 annual applicants and has drawn criticism from experts and advocacy groups.

Summarized

45News

20Media

Jun. 6, 2026 23:20

A US federal court ruled against the Trump administration's immigration restrictions targeting nationals from 39 countries, declaring them an 'abuse of authority' and unlawful. The court found the policy discriminatory based on nationality. Experts noted this as a setback for the administration's ongoing efforts to tighten immigration controls.

Jun. 8, 2026 00:07

Filipino migrant workers in the US face uncertainty due to shifting immigration policies under Donald Trump. A recent DHS memo suggested migrants might need to return home to apply for green cards. Workers like Jay, who cares for a veteran, fear disruption to their lives and livelihoods.

A federal judge's June 5, 2026 ruling delivered a sweeping rebuke to Trump administration immigration policies, declaring restrictions targeting nationals from 39 countries unlawful and discriminatory. The decision specifically invalidated measures blocking asylum applications, suspending green card processing, and creating additional citizenship hurdles implemented after a 2025 National Guard shooting incident. This legal setback coincides with Senate approval of funding for these same controversial policies, revealing stark contradictions in government approaches to immigration.La Presse+2

🌍 Sweeping Policy Reversal

The court ruling dismantled multiple restrictive measures that had:

Blocked asylum seekers from designated countries
Frozen green card processing for affected nationals
Created additional citizenship application hurdles
The policies were originally implemented following a deadly attack in Washington by an Afghan national, which critics argued was used as unjustified pretext for broad restrictions.The New York Times+2

🏛 Conflicting Government Actions

While judicial oversight blocks policies, other branches push contradictory agendas:

Senate approved $3.2 billion for Trump's immigration enforcement
DHS continues financial pressure tactics through fee increases
Business lobby successfully overturned some industry-specific restrictionsLa Presse+2

👥 Human Impact of Legal Battles

The ruling brings temporary relief but ongoing uncertainty for:

Filipino migrant workers facing potential deportation
Families separated during prolonged application processes
Professionals with delayed work permits
Legal immigrants caught in policy whiplashChosun Ilbo+2

📊 Strategic Immigration Reduction Continues

Despite this setback, administration maintains parallel efforts to:

Implement financial barriers through increased fees
Favor high-income applicants via procedural changes
Reduce overall numbers through bureaucratic delays
The legal battle underscores fundamental conflicts over US immigration policy direction.Radio France Internationale+2

CanadaH-1B visaDonald TrumpDepartment of Homeland SecurityU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

topic.regionalNarratives

United Kingdom

Coverage highlights the uncertainty faced by Filipino migrant workers due to shifting US immigration policies and potential requirements to return home for green card applications.

Canada

Reporting focuses on a US federal judge striking down a Trump-era immigration measure that complicated entry for immigrants from multiple countries, following a security incident.

France

Coverage emphasizes a US court overturning Trump administration's legal immigration restrictions enacted after a deadly attack in Washington.

United States

Reporting centers on a judge striking down multiple Trump-era immigration policies, marking a significant legal setback for the former administration's measures.

South Korea

Coverage frames a US court ruling against Trump administration's immigration restrictions targeting 39 countries as discriminatory and an abuse of authority.

China

Coverage focuses on the requirement for green card applicants to leave the US and apply from their home countries, with exceptions for economic benefits and national interests.

Australia

Coverage emphasizes the termination of in-country applications for US permanent residency as part of broader immigration restrictions.