In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Emily Rodriguez declared the Trump administration’s 2017 travel ban, which barred citizens from 75 predominantly Muslim countries, unlawful under the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.
Judge Rodriguez’s 45‑page opinion cited the ban’s “discriminatory intent” and noted that the administration failed to provide a compelling national security justification. The decision overturns the previous appellate ruling that had upheld the ban and restores the ability of individuals from the affected nations to apply for U.S. visas.
The Department of State announced it would immediately resume processing visa applications for the countries in question. Immigration advocates hailed the decision as a victory for civil liberties, while some congressional leaders vowed to appeal the ruling, arguing it undermines executive authority on immigration matters.