📢 Important Alert: On June 5, 2026, a federal court issued a landmark ruling that could immediately change the status of your pending immigration application. That ruling became even more forceful on June 11, 2026, when the court issued a second order declaring the challenged policies "voided" and "canceled" and requiring the government to report […] The post USCIS Abandons its “Pause“ Policies on Applications for now: What You Need to Know appeared first on Badmus & Associates.
Important Alert: On June 5, 2026, a federal court issued a landmark ruling that could immediately change the status of your pending immigration application. That ruling became even more forceful on June 11, 2026, when the court issued a second order declaring the challenged policies "voided" and "canceled" and requiring the government to report on compliance within 24 hours.
If you have felt like your case has been "stuck" in a black hole, or if you are a national of one of the 39 countries recently designated as "high-risk," this update is specifically for you. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, in the case of Dorcas Int'l Institute of Rhode Island, et al. v. USCIS, has officially vacated several restrictive policies that were blocking thousands of immigration benefits across the country.
At Badmus & Associates, we know how stressful it is to wait for news on your future in the United States. We are closely monitoring these developments to ensure our clients get the fastest possible resolution to their cases. Here is everything you need to understand about this major legal victory and what it means for your journey.
What exactly happened in court?
On June 5, 2026, Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. struck down a series of internal USCIS policies that had been implemented over the last year. These policies were designed to put a "hold" on specific types of cases and instructed officers to view certain nationalities with a higher level of scrutiny.
In Dorcas Int'l Institute of Rhode Island, et al. v. USCIS, the Rhode Island District Court vacated the Benefits Hold Policy, Global Asylum Hold Policy, Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, and Country-Specific Factors Policy. The court found these policies "arbitrary and capricious" under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). In plain English, the judge concluded that USCIS did not give a reasoned explanation for the policies, failed to account for people's reliance interests, and used pretextual reasons to justify them.
Then, on June 11, 2026, the court issued a stern second order declaring the policies "voided" and "canceled," and gave the government 24 hours to report on its compliance. That made clear the court expected immediate, agency-wide action.
Which policies were vacated?
The court specifically targeted the restrictive policies reflected in PM 602-0192, PM 602-0194, and PA 2025-26, including four core policy frameworks that have been causing significant delays and denials:
- Benefits Hold Policy: This policy paused action on certain immigration benefit requests for affected applicants.
- Global Asylum Hold Policy: This policy froze affirmative asylum adjudications for affected groups.
- Comprehensive Re-Review Policy: This policy required heightened re-review of cases, including already-approved matters in some circumstances.
- Country-Specific Factors Policy: This policy instructed officers to treat nationality or related country-specific concerns as a major negative factor in discretionary decisions.
These policies were operationalized through:
- PM 602-0192: A memorandum tied to the benefits hold and asylum hold framework.
- PM 602-0194: A follow-on memorandum expanding the scope of affected countries and cases.
- PA 2025-26: A policy alert directing officers to apply country-specific factors in discretionary adjudications, such as Green Cards and adjustment of status.
By vacating these, the court has essentially told USCIS: "You cannot use these rules anymore"—at least for now. These policies are not in effect right now, but the legal battle is continuing.
Who is affected by this ruling?
You are likely affected by this court order if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Asylum Seekers: If you have a pending Form I-589 (Affirmative Asylum) that has been frozen, the "Global Asylum Hold" is now gone. USCIS must resume processing these cases.
- Nationals of the "39 High-Risk Countries": The government had created a list of 39 countries (including Afghanistan and several others) whose citizens faced an indefinite freeze on their temporary visas, work permits, and naturalization applications. That freeze is now lifted.
- Palestinian Applicants: The policies also specifically targeted individuals with documentation issued by the Palestinian Authority. Those restrictions have also been vacated.
- Applicants for Discretionary Benefits: If you were applying for a Green Card or a work permit and were worried your nationality would be used against you, the court has ruled that USCIS cannot use nationality as an automatic "negative factor" in their decision.
Why did the government implement these policies?
The policies were originally tied to Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998. These proclamations were intended to "protect the United States from foreign terrorists" by restricting the entry of people from certain countries.
However, USCIS took those entry restrictions and applied them to people who were already inside the United States applying for benefits. The court's "bigger picture" finding was that while the President has broad power to control who enters the country, USCIS does not have the same power to arbitrarily freeze the benefits of people who are already here and following the legal process.
What does this mean for your application today?
Because the court's order applies agency-wide and is effective immediately, USCIS should, in theory, begin moving these "frozen" cases forward.
- Your Work Permit (EAD): If your EAD was on hold because of your nationality, you should see movement soon.
- Your Green Card: Cases that were paused "pending further vetting" under these specific memos must now be adjudicated under standard procedures.
- No More "Re-Review": One of the most aggressive parts of the vacated policy was a "Comprehensive Re-Review" where USCIS was going back to look at already-approved benefits for people from certain countries. This practice must now stop.
Must plan as though: While this is a victory, you must plan as though the government will fight back. USCIS has already stated that they disagree with the court's ruling, but says it will comply for now while the appeal and broader judicial review proceed.
Is this change permanent?
We must be cautious. The situation is already in effect, but it is also fluid. On June 12, 2026, USCIS officially filed an appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. USCIS also issued an alert saying it disagrees with the ruling but will comply for now while the appeal and judicial review move forward.
That means PM 602-0192, PM 602-0194, and PA 2025-26 are not in effect right now, but the legal fight is not over. The government could seek further relief, including a stay, that could affect how long this window remains open.
This is why immediacy is key. If your case was previously frozen, now is the time to ensure your file is complete and ready for adjudication before any further legal hurdles arise.
The Bigger Picture: Security vs. Due Process
At Badmus & Associates, we understand the importance of national security. However, we also believe in the fundamental American principle of due process. Treating thousands of people as "threats" simply because of where they were born, without any individual evidence, is not how our legal system is supposed to work.
This court decision is a win for fairness. It reminds the government that they cannot create "secret" lists or ignore the law to achieve political goals. We will continue to advocate for the rights of all immigrants to have their cases heard fairly and timely.
How can you stay informed?
The immigration news landscape changes fast. We are here to keep you updated. If you are a client of Badmus & Associates, we are already reviewing the impact of this ruling on your specific file.
If you are not yet a client but believe your case has been unfairly delayed or denied based on these now-vacated policies, we want to help you.
Your Next Steps:
- Check your case status: See if there has been any update on your Form I-485, I-589, or I-765.
- Consult with an expert: Don't navigate these complex changes alone. A professional review of your case can determine if a "Mandamus" lawsuit or other action is needed to force USCIS to act on your now-unfrozen case.
- Stay updated: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest alerts on the Dorcas appeal and other immigration law changes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws are complex, fast-changing, and highly fact-specific. For guidance about your particular situation, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
Ready to move your case forward?
Contact Badmus & Associates today to schedule a consultation and let us help you navigate your path to residency and citizenship.
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The post USCIS Abandons its “Pause“ Policies on Applications for now: What You Need to Know appeared first on Badmus & Associates.
