DHS Green Card Policy Blocked: Federal Court Stops USCIS Adjudication Pause for Selected Countries

A federal district court in the District of Rhode Island has issued an order blocking USCIS from continuing its pause on adjudicating immigration benefits for nationals of certain selected countries. The ruling represents a significant judicial check on the agency's recent policy direction under DHS leadership. The pause, which had halted processing of immigration benefit applications for applicants from specific countries, drew immediate legal challenge. Critics argued the policy was arbitrary and caused serious harm to individuals with pending green card petitions, including those in EB-3 employment-based categories with approved I-140 petitions waiting for final adjudication. For EB-3 applicants from the affected countries, the court's block means that USCIS must resume normal adjudication procedures. Those who had cases stalled due to the pause may see their applications move forward again, pending any further appeals or administrative action by the government. This ruling is part of a broader pattern of federal courts scrutinizing sweeping immigration enforcement policies. Applicants and attorneys are advised to monitor their case status on the USCIS portal and consult legal counsel if adjudication on an affected case remains stalled despite the court order. The government may appeal the decision or seek a stay, so the situation remains fluid. EB-3 applicants from potentially affected countries should document their case timelines carefully in the event further litigation alters processing procedures.