Nearly 200 immigrants, including six from Massachusetts, are taking legal action against the federal government following a suspension of their immigration applications after the Trump administration expanded its travel ban. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, targets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which temporarily halted processing green cards, citizenship applications, and asylum requests last month. This decision came just one day after the administration broadened the travel ban, affecting 39 countries and Palestine, with 20 of those facing partial restrictions.
The lawsuit is led by immigration attorney Jim Hacking, who argues that the government is contravening immigration law. “They love to talk about how immigrants allegedly don’t follow the law, but they’re the ones who aren’t following the law,” Hacking stated, emphasizing that many of his clients had already undergone thorough background checks and fulfilled the necessary legal requirements for citizenship.
Milad Zaki, who is assisting his Egyptian parents in their quest for U.S. citizenship, expressed support for the travel ban and the subsequent pause on applications. He believes that the security of the nation should be prioritized, even if it results in delays. “Generally, this is a safe country. I want to keep it safe, keep it nice,” Zaki said, comparing immigration decisions to ensuring safety in one’s own home by vetting who is allowed inside.
The Trump administration has defended its stance, with the Department of Homeland Security describing the lawsuit as “baseless.” They assert that the pause is necessary to thoroughly vet individuals from high-risk countries and ensure they meet the safety requirements for entry. According to the administration, this suspension allows for a comprehensive examination of pending immigration requests from those designated as high-risk.
Hacking continues to contest the administration’s rationale, stating that many of his clients were already approved for processing before being affected by the ban. A ruling from the judge on the lawsuit could be expected in the coming weeks, indicating that the legal proceedings will progress rapidly. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and its implications for individuals seeking a new life in the United States.