Federal Judge Blocks USCIS Processing Freeze 2026: 22 Green Card Applicants Get Relief

On April 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Julia E. Kobick of the District of Massachusetts issued a partial preliminary injunction blocking two USCIS policies connected to the administration's expanded travel ban. The ruling represents a significant legal development for foreign nationals whose immigration cases had been placed on hold under these policies. A preliminary injunction is a court order that temporarily prevents the government from enforcing a challenged policy while the underlying lawsuit proceeds. By granting part of the plaintiffs' request, the court signaled that the challengers demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits and that harm would result without the temporary block. The ruling directly benefits 22 named foreign nationals whose USCIS cases were frozen under the disputed policies. For EB-3 applicants and others in the employment-based immigration pipeline, this case highlights the ongoing legal battles shaping how USCIS processes cases in 2026. Applicants with pending cases affected by travel ban-related freezes should consult with their immigration attorneys to determine whether this injunction applies to their specific situation. The case is ongoing, and the government may appeal or seek to modify the court order. This decision adds to a growing pattern of federal courts scrutinizing expanded executive immigration enforcement actions in 2026, making it an important case to monitor for anyone navigating the U.S. green card process.