States Sue to Block Trump Rule That Would Hinder Certain Immigrants' Access to Green Cards

States have filed lawsuits to stop a Trump-era rule that would increase the difficulty for certain immigrants in obtaining green cards. The policy, which was introduced during the Trump administration, aims to prioritize immigrants who are already in the United States or have family ties to U.S. citizens. The lawsuits were filed on September 14, 2026, by multiple states, citing concerns over the policy's impact on immigration rights. The rule, which was part of broader immigration reforms under the Trump administration, would have made it harder for immigrants from certain countries to obtain green cards through the employment-based visa system. The legal challenge argues that the policy violates existing immigration laws and undermines the rights of immigrants. The lawsuits were filed with the courts in the United States, with the goal of halting the implementation of the rule. The legal battle is expected to take several months to resolve. If the courts rule in favor of the states, the policy would be blocked, and the immigration system would revert to its previous state. If the policy is upheld, it could significantly impact the ability of certain immigrants to obtain permanent residency in the United States.