Tagged #federal-court
Every article we've published on this topic, sorted by the agency's own announcement date.
Federal Judge Orders ICE to Release Key Witness, Citing Constitutional Rights
A Houston federal judge has ordered ICE to release a witness in a fatal shooting case within 48 hours, finding that continued detention violates Fifth Amendment due process rights.
Federal Judge Pauses Haiti TPS Termination Through July 27
A federal judge temporarily halted the termination of Temporary Protected Status for approximately 350,000 Haitians, extending protection through Monday while a ruling is expected on when the program should officially end.
Federal court blocks Illinois in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants
A federal judge ruled Illinois's RISE and DREAM Acts violate the Supremacy Clause. Immigration practitioners must update eligibility guidance for undocumented applicants seeking higher education benefits in the state.
Federal court strikes down Illinois in-state tuition laws for undocumented immigrants
U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled Illinois' RISE Act and DREAM Act unconstitutional as applied to undocumented immigrants. The decision bars states from providing in-state tuition and financial aid to noncitizens, affecting how you advise clients on education benefits.
Judge Allows Arizona Immigration Arrest Law to Stand—For Now
A federal judge has declined to block Proposition 314, allowing Arizona police and state courts to enforce immigration provisions while a lawsuit challenging the law's constitutionality continues.
Federal appeals court delays Haiti TPS termination by three days
A D.C. Circuit appeals court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, postponing termination from July 25 to July 27, 2026.
Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Houston ICE Shooting Witness
A U.S. District Judge has ordered DHS not to deport a witness in the fatal ICE shooting in Houston and restricted his transfer from a Texas detention facility pending a habeas petition.
Federal Judge Rules Minnesota Sanctuary Laws Not Preempted by Federal Law
A U.S. District Judge has rejected the DOJ's legal challenge to Minnesota's sanctuary policies, affirming the state's authority to limit cooperation with ICE detainer requests.
Lawsuit Challenges U.S. Sharing of Iranian Asylum Details With Tehran
Federal lawsuit alleges Trump administration violated confidentiality rules by providing Iran's government with asylum application details. Practitioners advising Iranian asylum seekers should understand the claims and monitor the case.
Federal judge blocks Philadelphia's ICE masking ban
A Pennsylvania federal court ruled that Philadelphia cannot enforce its ban on federal ICE agents wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles, citing constitutional limits on local authority over federal officers.
Iowa Federal Judges Hold ICE Officer in Contempt for Violating Court Orders
Two Iowa federal judges have sharply criticized ICE for repeated violations of court orders in detention cases, with one officer held in civil contempt and warned against future violations.
Federal judge bars nationwide immigration arrests at courthouses
U.S. District Judge Casey Pitts invalidated the Trump administration's policy permitting ICE arrests at immigration court hearings, finding it violated the Administrative Procedure Act and created irreparable harm.
Federal Judge Invalidates Immigration Courthouse Arrests Nationwide
A federal judge has barred the Trump administration's practice of making immigration arrests at courthouses nationwide, reversing long-standing policy and requiring the government to justify its enforcement decisions under the Administrative Procedure Act.
D.C. Circuit Clears Trump's Nationwide Expedited Removal Expansion
Federal appeals court allows expedited deportations of non-citizens who cannot prove two years of U.S. residence, overturning a lower court block. Immigration practitioners must adjust removal-defense strategy nationwide.
Federal judge blocks ICE courthouse arrests nationwide
A California federal judge issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Trump administration's policy of making arrests at immigration courts, restoring prior guidance limiting enforcement in courthouses.
Federal Judge Blocks DHS SAVE System for Voter Citizenship Checks
U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan ruled that DHS violated privacy laws by expanding the SAVE citizenship verification tool to query U.S. citizens. The modified system is now enjoined and cannot be used by states for voter verification.
Federal Courts Reject DOJ's 212(h) Waiver Restrictions for Permanent Residents
Six federal courts have ruled against the Department of Justice's interpretation of 212(h) waiver eligibility for deportation relief. Practitioners must understand the split and how it affects current advice to crime-convicted LPRs.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Benefits Pause Affecting 39 Countries
U.S. District Court strikes down USCIS policies that had frozen green card, work permit, and asylum applications for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries. Four major policies declared unlawful and vacated as of June 5, 2026.
Federal judge strikes down Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin voided the Trump administration's $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, ruling it was an unauthorized tax. Practitioners advising on H-1B strategy should know the fee is now void pending appeal.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee
A Boston federal judge has vacated the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling it functions as an unlawful tax requiring congressional approval. What this means for employers and practitioners.
Federal Judge Voids Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee—Ruling Against Executive Authority
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin has struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, ruling it an unauthorized tax without Congressional approval. The decision affects employers nationwide and creates uncertainty around ongoing litigation.
Federal judge voids Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that the Trump administration lacked authority to impose a $100,000 application fee on new H-1B visas, finding it an unlawful tax outside the executive branch's power.
Boston Judge Strikes Down $100,000 H-1B Fee as Unlawful Tax
A federal judge in Boston has vacated President Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa application fee, ruling it constitutes an unauthorized tax. Conflicting rulings and an appeal ahead complicate current guidance.
Federal Court Blocks USCIS Pause on Immigration Benefits for 39 Countries
A federal judge ruled USCIS lacks authority to suspend processing of immigration benefits for nationals of 39 countries. The decision requires immediate resumption of adjudications and affects hundreds of thousands of pending applications.
Federal Court Strikes Down $100,000 H-1B Fee; Here's What Changes
A federal judge ruled the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B visa fee unlawful. Learn what the decision means for employers, how USCIS fees shift, and what to expect next as appeals proceed.
Federal Court Voids Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unlawful tax lacking congressional authorization. H-1B petition costs revert to standard fees.
Federal Judge Voids Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee—Boston Ruling Against Executive Authority
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin strikes down the $100,000 application fee on new H-1B visas, ruling only Congress can impose taxes on immigration petitions. Nationwide vacatur in effect; appeals expected.
District Court Vacates $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee
A Massachusetts federal court ruled the $100,000 H-1B fee unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act and Constitution. USCIS should not collect it pending appeal.
Court Orders BIA to Publish All Immigration Decisions Publicly
Second Circuit rules the Board of Immigration Appeals must publish unpublished decisions through an agency reading room, reversing a district court decision and settling a FOIA lawsuit.
Federal judge blocks sweeping Trump policy halting legal immigration applications
A Rhode Island federal judge invalidated Trump administration policies that suspended asylum, green card, and other immigration benefits for applicants from 39 countries, finding the measures arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.
Federal judge strikes down policy freezing USCIS applications for 39 countries
A U.S. District Court ruled that USCIS exceeded its authority by indefinitely freezing asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries. The ruling requires immediate resumption of adjudications.
Federal Judge Invalidates USCIS Asylum and Work Permit Holds
A federal judge struck down four Trump administration policies that froze asylum adjudications and work permit processing for applicants from 39 countries, finding the agency violated federal law and acted with anti-immigrant animus.
Federal Court Blocks USCIS Asylum and Country-Based Application Freezes
Judge McConnell invalidates Trump administration policies that froze asylum applications and paused processing for immigrants from 39 countries, affecting over 1 million backlogged cases.
Federal judge strikes down Trump asylum processing freeze, orders USCIS to resume adjudication
A Rhode Island federal judge has vacated Trump administration policies that halted asylum processing and immigration benefit adjudications for nationals of 39 countries. USCIS must immediately resume processing green cards, work permits, asylum applications, and naturalizations.
Rhode Island Court Vacates USCIS Hold & Asylum Policies for 39 Countries
Federal judge vacates USCIS policies suspending benefits adjudication, asylum decisions, nationality-based discretionary factors, and re-reviews for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries. Ruling affects applications filed with USCIS.
Federal Court Strikes Down USCIS Immigration Freezes Based on Nationality
A Rhode Island federal judge vacated four Trump-era USCIS policies freezing asylum and immigration benefits for applicants from 39 designated countries, finding them arbitrary and unlawful.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Adjudication Pause for 39-Country Nationals
District court in Rhode Island vacates USCIS policy memos pausing immigration benefit adjudications. Cases now eligible to resume processing.
Federal court vacates USCIS policies pausing immigration benefits for nationals of 39 travel ban countries
On June 5, 2026, a federal judge in Rhode Island vacated four USCIS policies that had frozen immigration benefits adjudication for nationals of 39 countries, holding the policies violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Benefit Holds and Asylum Freeze for 39 Countries
A federal judge struck down four USCIS policies that froze adjudication of benefits applications, asylum cases, and naturalization ceremonies for nationals of 39 countries. The decision requires USCIS to resume processing immediately.
Federal Court Strikes Down USCIS Processing Ban for Travel Ban Countries
A federal court has vacated four USCIS policies that froze immigration benefit adjudication for nationals of 39 countries. Learn what the ruling means for stalled applications and next steps.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Benefit Freeze Policies for Travel Ban Countries
A Rhode Island federal court struck down four USCIS policies that froze asylum, green card, work permit, and naturalization decisions for nationals of 39 travel ban countries. Immigration practitioners must immediately adjust case handling and client expectations.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS 39-Country Asylum and Benefits Freeze
Chief Judge McConnell invalidates four USCIS policies that had categorically barred asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship decisions for nationals of 39 countries, ordering immediate resumption of adjudication.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Benefit Freeze for 39 Countries
A federal court ruled that USCIS policies freezing asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries violate the Administrative Procedure Act and are unsupported by law.
Federal Judge Voids Trump Halt on Asylum and Benefits Decisions for 39 Countries
A federal judge struck down Trump administration policies that froze USCIS decisions on asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries. USCIS must now resume processing.
Federal judge voids USCIS freeze on benefits for 39-country applicants
A Rhode Island federal judge has struck down Trump administration policies that froze work permits, green cards, asylum, and citizenship applications for noncitizens from 39 countries. The decision vacates four USCIS policies and orders resumption of processing.
Federal judge voids USCIS immigration freeze on 39 countries
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that USCIS unlawfully froze asylum, work permit, and green card processing for applicants from 39 travel-ban countries. The ruling vacates USCIS policies and could restart thousands of stalled cases.
Federal judge voids four USCIS policies halting processing from 39 countries
A Rhode Island district judge vacated Trump administration policies that indefinitely froze asylum, green card, work permit, and citizenship processing from 39 countries, forcing USCIS to resume adjudication.
Federal judge voids Trump asylum freeze, orders USCIS to resume processing
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that Trump administration policies suspending asylum processing and delaying immigration benefits for nationals from 39 countries violated federal law and USCIS authority.
Federal Judge Vacates USCIS Processing Freeze for Asylum Applicants from Travel-Ban Countries
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that Trump administration policies freezing USCIS processing for applicants from 39 travel-ban countries violated immigration law. Practitioners must now resume filings and advise affected clients on case reopenings.
Federal Court Vacates Four USCIS Directives on Travel-Ban Nationals and Asylum
On June 5, 2026, a Rhode Island federal court vacated USCIS policy memos requiring benefits holds, re-review of approvals, and a global asylum hold affecting nationals of 39 countries. The ruling immediately lifts processing freezes and bars USCIS from treating travel-ban nationality as a negative discretionary factor.
Federal Court Voids USCIS Benefit Holds for 39 Countries
U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. struck down USCIS adjudication freezes affecting nationals of 39 travel-ban countries, ordering resumption of green card, work permit, asylum, and naturalization processing.
Federal Judge Halts Most ICE Arrests At Manhattan Immigration Courts
A federal judge orders ICE to stop arresting immigrants at NYC immigration courts except in narrow emergency circumstances, reshaping courthouse attendance risk for clients in ongoing litigation.
Federal judge in Mississippi slow-rolling 290+ ICE detainee habeas petitions
Over 290 ICE detainees at Adams County Correctional Center have pending habeas corpus petitions before a single federal judge with no rulings on the merits since June 2025—a delay that affects bond relief strategy for removal-defense practitioners.
Federal Judge Rules DACA Protections Are Enforceable: Estrada v. DHS
A California federal judge found that DACA confers substantial legal protections against deportation and ordered the return of a DACA recipient unlawfully removed. Key precedent on DACA enforceability and due process.
Trump Administration Moves to End Somali TPS; Legal Challenge Filed
The Trump administration announced plans to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, affecting approximately 1,080 beneficiaries. Advocacy groups filed a federal court challenge.
Federal Court Blocks Key Pieces of BIA Appeals Rule
U.S. District Court for D.C. halted significant portions of a Trump-Vance administration rule that would have eliminated meaningful appellate review before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Fast-Track Immigration Appeals Rule
A D.C. federal court blocked key provisions of the Trump administration's Interim Final Rule that would have eliminated meaningful Board of Immigration Appeals review. What stays blocked and how your appeal timeline works now.
Fifth Circuit Denies Bond Hearings for Detained Immigrants Nationwide
A federal appeals court ruled the Trump administration can detain immigrants without bond hearings, overturning three decades of practice. What practitioners need to know about the 5th Circuit's 2-1 decision.
APA Challenge to a USCIS Denial: When Agency Action Is 'Arbitrary and Capricious' Under 5 U.S.C. §706(2)(A)
The Administrative Procedure Act lets a federal court set aside agency action that is arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law. Threshold doctrines — final agency action, jurisdictional bars, and the State Farm hard-look test — decide whether the suit moves.
AAO Appeals: When the Administrative Appeals Office Is the Right Forum vs Going Straight to Federal Court
The AAO has jurisdiction over a defined slice of USCIS denials. Outside that slice — and inside it, when delay is the problem — federal-court APA or mandamus litigation is the right tool.
Mandamus Against USCIS for Unreasonable Delay: 28 U.S.C. §1361, the TRAC Factors, and the APA §706(1) Companion Claim
When USCIS sits on a benefit request long past published processing times, federal mandamus under 28 U.S.C. §1361 paired with an APA §706(1) unlawfully-withheld claim is the tool. The TRAC factors decide who wins.