On June 5, 2026, a federal court delivered a significant victory for immigrants whose applications have been stuck in administrative limbo. The ruling, issued in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, No. 1:26-cv-00132-JJM-PAS (D.R.I. June 5, 2026), found that USCIS was relying on unlawful internal policies to delay immigration applications for nationals of the 39 travel ban countries — and ordered those policies stopped.
If you or a loved one has been waiting on an immigration benefit application without explanation, this ruling may directly affect your case.
What the Court Ruled
The court found that USCIS had implemented a series of internal adjudication hold policies and heightened review procedures that were causing widespread, indefinite delays for applicants from countries subject to the Administration’s travel-related restrictions. Asylum applicants and individuals seeking other immigration benefits — including Adjustment of Status — were among those affected.
The judge determined that these hold policies were unlawful and prohibited USCIS from continuing to rely on them. As a result, applications that had been trapped in administrative holds may now be required to move forward under the normal legal framework established by Congress.
What This Ruling Does NOT Do
This is perhaps the most important point to understand: this ruling did not strike down the travel ban itself.
The travel ban for all 39 countries — which either fully or partially restricts visa issuance for nationals of those countries — remains in effect. Entry restrictions have not changed. What the court targeted was the mechanism USCIS used internally to implement additional delays beyond what the travel ban itself required.
In plain terms: people from these countries may still face visa restrictions and entry barriers. But USCIS can no longer use unauthorized hold policies to keep otherwise eligible applicants waiting indefinitely for a decision on their immigration benefits.
Who May Be Affected
This ruling could have meaningful implications for:
Adjustment of Status applicants — Individuals from travel ban countries who filed for a green card inside the United States and have been waiting without movement on their case.
Asylum applicants — Those whose cases were subject to heightened review procedures or holds tied to their country of origin.
Other immigration benefit applicants — Anyone from a travel ban country whose application has been stalled without a clear legal reason.
It is important to note that every case is different. Whether this ruling applies to your specific situation depends on the details of your application, your country of origin, and the current status of your case.
What Happens Next
While this ruling is a significant development, there are several factors that could affect how it plays out in the weeks and months ahead.
The government may seek a stay of the ruling or pursue an appeal, which could slow or reverse its impact. USCIS may also attempt to introduce new — and potentially lawful — procedures to replace the ones the court struck down. As with any major immigration decision, the situation remains fluid.
Additionally, a mandatory 180-day review of the travel ban itself is expected in late June 2026. At that time, the Administration could add, remove, or reclassify countries on the list. This review adds another layer of uncertainty for applicants from affected countries.
What You Should Do Now
If your immigration case has been delayed and you are from one of the 39 travel ban countries, now is the time to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can review your specific case, determine whether this ruling applies to your situation, and advise you on the best path forward.
At Ayoub & Associates, P.C., we are closely monitoring this development and are here to help you understand what it means for you and your family. Do not wait — the landscape can change quickly, and being proactive is always your best strategy.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific situation.