A United States federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana and 25 other African countries.
The policy, introduced by the U.S. Department of State and effective January 21, 2026, paused the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of the affected countries as the department reviewed its visa screening and vetting procedures.
On Friday, August 21, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas of the Southern District of New York ruled against the policy, finding that it exceeded the statutory authority of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was unlawful.
The ruling provides a potential pathway for affected applicants whose immigrant visa processing was suspended solely because of the policy.
However, the decision does not automatically guarantee visas, as applicants must still satisfy other requirements under U.S. immigration law.
The development is expected to be closely watched by Ghanaian families and other affected applicants who have been awaiting immigrant visa processing since the suspension took effect.