The United States has lifted a months-long immigrant visa ban that had applied to Bangladesh and 74 other countries.
The US State Department confirmed that New York district court Judge Janet Vargas struck down the policy as unlawful on August 21. On August 28, the US State Department’s website officially announced the suspension was no longer in effect. As a result, after a long wait, Bangladeshis are once again able to receive the green cards, or immigrant visas, they’ve sought for permanent residence in the US.
The significant ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC). Citing concerns that citizens could become dependent on US “public benefits,” the visa suspension for citizens of Bangladesh and 74 other countries was imposed in January 2026 under Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The court made clear, however, that under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the secretary of state has no unchecked authority to deny someone an immigrant visa based on nationality alone.
With the suspension lifted, eligible applicants will now receive immigrant visas through the regular process. For those who had already submitted applications or attended interviews during the ban, the path to a final visa has now reopened. The positive US decision brings an end to a long period of uncertainty and anxiety for Bangladeshi visa applicants.