INTERNATIONAL — July 30, 2026
US Judge Rules Travel Restrictions Unlawfully Applied to Afghan Asylum Holders' Families
The ruling by US District Judge Anthony J. Trenga applies to seven specific families with approved I-730 petitions and finds the State Department policy violated due process.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press — 2 min read
US District Judge Anthony J. Trenga ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully applied Afghan travel restrictions to the spouses and children of seven Afghan nationals granted asylum in the United States. The decision allows the families to proceed with reunification through the approved I-730 follow-to-join process.
The ruling found that the State Department's categorical policy violated procedural due process and was subject to judicial review. Judge Trenga rejected the government's motion to dismiss the case in May 2026.
The proclamations in question, 10949 and 10998, contain language stating they do not apply to individuals granted asylum. Proclamation 10998 took effect in January 2026 and continued the suspension of entry for Afghan nationals.
The decision is limited to the seven families involved and does not overturn the broader travel bans under the two presidential proclamations.
Read the original reporting at Khaama Press →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct, on-record attribution with concrete details including named judge, court district, specific proclamations, case process (I-730), and timeline (May 2026 dismissal rejection, January 2026 proclamation).
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Trump Admin Cannot Use Travel Ban Against Asylum Seeker Families, Bush-Appointed Judge Rulesnewsweek.com
Because of their support for the ... protect them. Today the court affirmed that the State Department cannot use the travel ban to abandon this population, or any asylees seeking family reunification.
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International — US travel ban, Afghan refugees, family reunification, I-730 petitions, Trump administration
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