---
title: "US judge blocks visa freeze for Moldova and 74 nations"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/83826/us-judge-blocks-visa-freeze-for-moldova-and-74-nations
published: 2026-08-24T11:36:46Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "International"
source: moldova1.md
---

# US judge blocks visa freeze for Moldova and 74 nations

> A US federal judge has struck down a Trump administration directive suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries, including the Republic of Moldova. The policy, introduced earlier this year, had been justified by executive officials as a measure to prevent foreign nationals from relying on US public assistance, as reported by Associated Press.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/33223a98-42a3-492a-bb16-307f6c1be38d.jpg)

A US federal judge has struck down a Trump administration directive suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries, including the Republic of Moldova. The policy, introduced earlier this year, had been justified by executive officials as a measure to prevent foreign nationals from relying on US public assistance, as reported by [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-visa-ban-immigration-64feb19b54d1bce50891437a5ba25d50).

US District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled on August 21 that the measure was contrary to law and exceeded executive authority. The court found that Secretary of State Marco Rubio overstepped his statutory mandate by establishing a policy that violates the Immigration and Nationality Act.

According to the ruling, the administration’s directive improperly denied visas to qualified applicants without statutory authorization. A related diplomatic cable had previously directed US embassies and consulates to subject non-immigrant visa applicants to intensive vetting to eliminate potential public-benefit claims.

**Judicial limits on executive authority**

Judge Vargas noted that Congress granted consular officers the specific authority and discretion to evaluate visa eligibility based on detailed statutory criteria. The blanket nationality-based restriction directly abrogated the legal framework established by federal lawmakers.

The legal challenge was brought by two non-profit organizations alongside 11 individual plaintiffs. Six of the plaintiffs had immediate family members who were denied visas under the directive, while five had submitted employment-based immigrant petitions from abroad.

Anna Gallagher, executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), welcomed the decision. She emphasized that the core objective of the litigation was keeping families united, aligning with principles regarding human dignity and family integrity.

**Broader legal scrutiny on immigration rules**

Following the decision, the US Department of State stated that the administration remains committed to safeguarding the American public through rigorous vetting standards. The department declined to comment directly on active litigation.

The ruling marks the latest federal court decision invalidating executive immigration measures introduced this year.

In June, another federal judge struck down a separate policy that tightened entry and residency rules across multiple immigration programs, including asylum claims, work authorizations, green cards, and naturalization procedures.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**