Judge Rules Trump-Era Visa Ban on 75 Countries Unlawful

Why it matters locally: While the direct impact on South Dakota's population of 919,318 is not immediately quantifiable, this federal ruling on immigration policy could influence national demographics and the availability of certain skill sets that might eventually affect local industries and communities.

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A federal judge has ruled that a Trump administration policy, which halted visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, was unlawful. The judge determined the policy discriminated against individuals based on their nationality. The Trump administration implemented the ban, stating that citizens from these 75 countries were likely to require public assistance upon entering the United States. This rationale formed the basis for the policy's implementation. However, the court found that this policy illegally discriminated against individuals based on their country of origin. This ruling challenges the legal foundation of the visa restrictions previously enforced.