Court Orders Restart of Green Card Processing Amid Trump's Immigration Policies

A federal judge in Ohio has ordered the Trump administration to restart processing Green Card applications that were previously stalled due to immigration policies. This ruling addresses the indefinite pause on applications from nationals of certain countries and questions the government's justification based on national security. The judge emphasized that these policies cannot be used to avoid judicial scrutiny. The decision affects 25 foreign nationals already residing in the U.S., requiring USCIS to process their applications within 30 days. This ruling could have significant implications for future immigration adjudications and the rights of applicants.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 7, 2026, 07:14 IST

Federal Judge's Ruling on Immigration Applications

A federal judge in Ohio has ruled against President Donald Trump's immigration policy, mandating the administration to resume processing specific immigration benefit applications that had been stalled. This preliminary injunction specifically addresses the practices of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding applications from nationals of countries affected by Trump's travel bans. Judge Algenon L. Marbley issued this order following a lawsuit filed by 25 foreign nationals residing in the U.S., whose applications included Green Cards and work permits. The plaintiffs contended that the policies had effectively frozen their cases indefinitely.

Judge Challenges USCIS's Indefinite Hold

The case revolves around the administration's power to halt the processing of applications while conducting broader national security reviews. Judge Marbley noted that the policies in question resulted in an indefinite pause on the adjudication of immigration benefit applications from certain countries, treating nationality as a detrimental factor. This scrutiny is particularly relevant as the plaintiffs are already in the U.S., not seeking entry from abroad. The group includes individuals from various countries, including Burma, Canada, Iran, Nigeria, Syria, Tanzania, and Venezuela, with diverse professional backgrounds.

National Security Concerns Under Review

Judge Marbley expressed skepticism about the government's claims regarding public safety and national security, emphasizing that these concerns should not apply to foreign nationals already lawfully present in the U.S. He criticized the government's attempts to shield its policies from judicial review by citing security issues, stating that national security cannot be used as a blanket justification for avoiding accountability.

Furthermore, the judge referenced public comments made by Trump and Vice President JD Vance, highlighting their expressed animosity towards immigrants. As a result of this ruling, USCIS is now required to process the applications of the affected individuals, although any application can still be denied if it does not meet legal standards.

Implications of the Ruling

The immediate effect of the ruling is that USCIS must resume processing the pending applications of the 25 plaintiffs, including Form I-485 for status adjustment and Form I-765 for employment authorization. The government has been instructed to make decisions on these applications within 30 days, which is crucial for those unable to work due to stalled cases. The distinction between a rejected application and an indefinite hold is significant, as the latter leaves applicants without a clear resolution.

Next Steps Following the Ruling

Judge Marbley has temporarily prohibited USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin from enforcing the challenged policies on the plaintiffs' applications. The administration is also required to provide a compliance report within 30 days. Further legal proceedings are anticipated, and higher courts may need to address the extent to which USCIS can delay immigration decisions based on security concerns. However, the Ohio ruling does not guarantee automatic permanent residency for Green Card applicants.