In December 2025, the Trump Administration expanding the already existing travel ban to 39 countries. This meant that individuals from the specified countries were subject to a suspension of granting of applications for immigration benefits and asylum. The immigration benefits that were paused included Form I-485s—meaning individuals from those 39 countries could not adjust status. This led to many otherwise qualified individuals to have their applications placed on hold. This has led to applicants to be in an indefinite limbo, not knowing when or if this ban will be lifted.
On June 5, 2026, Judge John McConnell of the District Court of Rhode Island ruled that the policies were unlawful. In his decision, Judge McConnell said that USCIS lacked any legal basis to impose an indefinite suspension of immigration benefits. The government, he found, must make decision on applications such as naturalization and asylum and cannot discriminate on the basis of nationality. He also found that USCIS’ decision to implement the policy was arbitrary and not supported by a reasonable explanation. Last, he found that the Trump Administration’s intent for the policies was based in discrimination.
It is possible that the Trump Administration appeals this decision to the First Circuit Court of Appeals asking for a stay of the District Court’s decision. Whether or not they are going to do this remains unclear. There has been no statement from USCIS following the decision.
