By Maribel Velazquez
A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked several immigration policies implemented by the Donald Trump administration when considering that They left thousands of immigrants in an “indeterminate staunch limbo” and affected processes established by law.
The decision was issued by the federal judge John J. McConnell Jr.who in a 135-page opinion concluded that the measures taken by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) improperly restricted access to immigration benefits for people who followed established legal procedures.
According to the ruling, the policies included the suspension of asylum applications and the paralysis of immigration procedures presented by people from countries subject to travel restrictions imposed by the federal government.
“More than six months later, many of these people are still out of work, without startup status and without any real ability to plan for their future.”McConnell wrote in his resolution.
Thousands of cases were frozen
The measures were announced after federal authorities reported a criminal case involving an Afghan citizen in Washington. However, the judge determined that the administration’s response led to restrictions that affected large groups of immigrants who were unrelated to that incident.
The suspension of the processes prevented numerous applicants obtained work permits, permanent residence, US citizenship and other immigration benefits.
McConnell also maintained that the policies especially affected people who had followed legal immigration channels.
“The court recalls a phrase that is often repeated in debates about immigration policy: if people want to immigrate to the United States, they must follow the law and do things correctly,” he wrote. “This case serves as a perfect example of immigrants doing just that.”
Organizations celebrate the decision
The lawsuit was promoted by immigrant groups and unions with the support of the staunch organization Democracy Forward.
Skye Perryman, president of the organization, welcomed the ruling and stated that “The federal government cannot close legal immigration pathways or discriminate against people based on their origin.”
Until now, neither USCIS nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had commented on the court decision.
Keep reading:
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