Sierra Leone’s US visa ban revoked
A US federal judge has overturned the Trump administration’s ban on immigrant visas for 75 countries, clearing the way for Sierra Leoneans and others who were blocked from joining family or taking jobs in the United States.
On Friday, Judge Jeannette Vargas of the Federal District Court in Manhattan ruled that the State Department’s January policy was “patently unlawful” and “contrary to law.”
What was the ban?
In January, the State Department paused the issuance of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 nations — nearly 40% of the world’s countries. The government said it was to prevent people who could become a “public charge” and rely on US welfare.
Countries affected included Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several nations across Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Immigration lawyers say Sierra Leone was among the African countries hit by the suspension.
The freeze stopped green cards for people reuniting with family and for some employment-based applicants. Tourist and student visas were not affected.
Why the judge struck it down
Judge Vargas said the policy violated a 1965 law that bars discrimination by nationality and stripped the Secretary of State of authority to overrule consular officers on individual cases.
“The outcome is predetermined. The visa will be refused,” she wrote, noting officers were told to reject applicants even if they could support themselves.
A second judge in Washington also ruled the policy unlawful last month.
What this means for Sierra Leoneans:
– Family reunification cases can move again: Spouses, parents, and children with pending immigrant visa applications can now be processed.
– Work-based green cards resume: Applicants who had job offers in the US are no longer blocked by country alone.
-No automatic approval: Each application will still be reviewed individually for eligibility, including financial support requirements.
The State Department has not yet said if it will appeal.
Immigrant rights groups: Catholic Legal Immigration Network and African Communities Together, who filed the lawsuit, called the ruling a win for families who have been separated for months.