Many people assume that once an immigration application is filed, USCIS will review and decide the case based on the evidence submitted. However, in recent months, USCIS implemented internal policies that effectively placed certain applications on hold for individuals from specific countries. As a result, some applicants experienced significant delays in obtaining green cards, work permits, naturalization, asylum-related benefits, and other immigration benefits, even though their cases were otherwise ready for review. A federal court has now ruled that USCIS did not have the authority to impose many of these restrictions. On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a decision in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS, striking down several USCIS policies that affected nationals of 39 countries. The court found that the agency had exceeded its authority and failed to follow the proper legal process when implementing these measures.
What Happened?
According to court filings, USCIS adopted a series of internal policies that slowed, paused, or subjected certain immigration applications to additional review based largely on an applicant’s nationality. In some cases, applications for adjustment of status, employment authorization, naturalization, and asylum-related benefits were placed on hold. The agency also required additional review of some previously approved benefits and instructed officers to consider nationality as a negative factor when making certain discretionary decisions. The court concluded that these policies were not authorized by Congress and were implemented without following required administrative procedures. The judge further found that the policies unfairly targeted individuals based on their country of origin.
Why This Decision Matters
For many applicants, these policies created uncertainty and lengthy delays in cases that would otherwise have continued through the normal adjudication process. Individuals seeking green cards, work authorization, naturalization, and asylum protections often found their cases stalled for reasons unrelated to the merits of their applications. The court’s ruling removes these restrictions and requires USCIS to stop enforcing the challenged policies. Although the government may appeal the decision, the ruling represents a significant victory for affected immigrants and advocacy organizations that challenged the policies.
Potential Impact on Pending Cases
Individuals from the affected countries whose applications were delayed may now see movement on their cases. This includes applications for adjustment of status, employment authorization, naturalization, and certain asylum-related benefits. Employers sponsoring foreign nationals may also benefit from the resumption of processing for cases that had been delayed under these policies.
What Happens Next?
The federal government may appeal the ruling, and additional litigation could follow. In the meantime, USCIS will likely need to revise its procedures to comply with the court’s order. Applicants with pending cases should continue monitoring developments and consult with immigration counsel regarding any potential impact on their cases.
Key Takeaway
This decision is an important reminder that federal agencies must follow the law and cannot create immigration policies that exceed the authority granted to them by Congress. For individuals whose immigration applications were delayed because of these policies, the ruling may provide a path toward long-awaited decisions on their cases.
If you believe your case may have been affected by these policies, contact our office to discuss your options and determine whether this decision could impact your pending immigration matter.
