WASHINGTON D.C. (The COW News Digital) The Trump administration’s decision to halt work on immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Pakistan, has been formally challenged in a U.S. court. Civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit in New York, arguing that the policy is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and violates basic human rights.
The lawsuit contends that the suspension of immigrant visa processing affects thousands of families, disrupting legal immigration channels and causing widespread uncertainty for applicants. The plaintiffs have requested an immediate injunction to prevent further implementation of the policy.
“This action undermines the foundation of America’s immigration system and violates long-standing legal and humanitarian principles,” the petition states. Civil rights groups insist that the freeze disproportionately targets citizens of specific countries, creating barriers that are both unnecessary and harmful.
The legal filing argues that the policy conflicts with the United States’ historical approach to immigration and its international obligations, including protections for asylum seekers and family reunification programs. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs say the court must act swiftly to prevent further damage to immigrant communities.
Immigrant advocacy organizations have highlighted the human cost of the visa freeze, noting that many families are being separated and individuals are unable to pursue employment, education, and other opportunities in the U.S. “Every day this policy remains in effect, families face unnecessary hardship,” said one representative of the advocacy group.
The lawsuit marks the latest challenge to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, business groups, and international organizations. Legal experts predict that the case could set a significant precedent regarding the balance between executive authority and constitutional protections in immigration matters.
A hearing date for the case is expected soon in a New York federal court, where judges will consider whether to grant the requested injunction. Meanwhile, immigrant communities and rights organizations continue to mobilize public awareness campaigns to pressure policymakers to reverse the freeze.
The outcome of this case could have wide-reaching implications for U.S. immigration policy, affecting thousands of applicants and reshaping the conversation around executive power and human rights in the country.
