A District Judge (Judge Vargas) has vacated the 75 country pause policy in the CLINIC V Trump case. This summary judgement affects ALL cases (DV included) where the case was refused because of this policy. The DV pause policy remains, but this gives a clear roadmap (similar to the Dorcas judgement) to removing the pauses.
The Judge found that the policy was “patently unlawful and must be vacated under the APA.” It’s worth remembering that the DV pause had even less rationale behind it and was implemented in a similarly illegal manner.
So – for now the DV pause is still in place, but I am hopeful to see it removed soon so that as many visas as possible can be issued.
If you would like to read the summary judgement in todays case – it is available here:
https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.657161/gov.uscourts.nysd.657161.83.0.pdf
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Heath Insurance for immigrants
August 24, 2026 at 09:46
Good day Simon. From Uganda. On march 17th, my 221g denial @ NAIROBI Embassy was ONLY for the 75 country pause, the Consular didn’t mention anything about the DV LOTTERY PAUSE among the reasons. Do I still have to wait for the Department of state or I can contact the embassy right away.
August 24, 2026 at 10:52
The DV pause still applies to your case. So – wait for something to happen about the pause.
August 23, 2026 at 00:04
Thank you, Simon. Good people are very few in this world. Thank you for everything you do and for helping immigrants and keeping us updated. This is good and positive news now that visas have been suspended for 75 countries and then lifted. The general suspension is still in place because of what Portugal did. We hope for the best.
August 23, 2026 at 00:16
The reasoning about the man from Portugal was a pathetic pretext to justify this nonsense. Let’s not confuse that ridiculous reasoning with actual blame toward Portugal or its people – that would be daft.
August 22, 2026 at 11:59
Hey Simon,
If the dv lawsuits won as well, how long would it take the embassies to start printing and resume the process?
August 22, 2026 at 15:10
I would expect some activity within a day.
August 22, 2026 at 02:33
Hello Brit,
What about the general pause?
August 22, 2026 at 09:26
It is still in effect.
August 21, 2026 at 23:32
Hello Mr. Simon
In reference to the court decision and court order by the District Judge (Judge Vargas) who has ordered that the 75 country pause policy be vacated.
1. This judgement is from a court in New York, which is not a federal-level court. My question is can the Trump Administration file a legal appeal to challenge this lower-level court decision…..and appeal it further to a higher-level court.
2. If this court case is appealed by the Trump Administration, can it put a hold or pause the decision of District Judge (Judge Vargas) until the higher-level court makes a determination.
Thank you
August 22, 2026 at 09:23
Yes it can be appealed, but if you read the order it wasn’t a close call. My expectation is that this order will survive at least long enough to remove the 75 country pause problem for DV2026. As for later – we will see what happens with other cases.
August 21, 2026 at 19:22
My name is Alex mensah from Ghana Africa I’m still waiting for my faaback please thank again
August 21, 2026 at 22:18
Alex. You have had feedback but you seem to fail with the important part of READING the feedback.
August 21, 2026 at 18:49
Hi Brit, I really appreciate you updating us on all this.
Qn. Does this mean the 75 countries can now get their petitions and visas processed?
I’m eagerly waiting.
August 21, 2026 at 19:00
For DV cases the DV pause is still in effect – so no – we still have to wait for the DV lawsuits.