Federal Judge Halts Visa Policy Affecting 75 Countries

Why it matters locally: This ruling could directly impact Illinois residents with family or business connections to the 75 affected countries, potentially easing the process for family reunification or business travel and immigration to the state.

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A federal judge has overturned a Trump administration policy that stopped the processing of immigration visas for individuals from 75 countries. The judge determined that Secretary of State Marco Rubio surpassed the scope of his authority by implementing the policy. The court stated the policy conflicted with the Immigration and Nationality Act. The ruling specified the policy mandated the denial of visas to eligible applicants without a legal basis.