End to travel ban
International Institute of Minnesota applauds judge’s decision in restarting asylum and immigration processing after Trump Administration’s 39 country ban
June 11, 2026 ─ The International Institute of Minnesota celebrates Federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr.’s ruling in a lawsuit by Democracy Forward, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island and other immigration and refugee nonprofits and unions against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in pausing asylum and immigration applications as the immigration system has faced a significant backlog due to a 39 country ban enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration in December 2025.
Judge McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ruled that the 39-country ban in African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries is “unlawful” and that applicants from those countries for asylum, green cards, work authorization and citizenship must be processed immediately.
“USCIS has neither ‘followed the law’ nor ‘done things the right way.’ Indeed, the agency has violated the very immigration laws that Congress has charged it with administering, as well as the administrative laws that govern the agency’s actions,” said McConnell.
The ruling by Judge John J. McConnell Jr. is a victory for all immigrants, refugees and asylees who have had the doors unlawfully closed to them for months because of their country of origin. The 39-country ban has caused significant harm to thousands of immigrants and caused an unnecessary backlog in our immigration system that was based on discrimination.
One area of high concern to the International Institute of Minnesota left unaffected by this decision is the continuation of Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening) which targets refugees living in Minnesota.
Although the lawsuit did not include a challenge to refugees impacted by Operation PARRIS, the Institute will continue to advocate for the end of Operation PARRIS and continue our important work in welcoming New Americans in our state and giving them the resources and support they need to thrive.
“New Americans are vital to the growth of our country. Their presence and contributions strengthen our communities. We applaud the efforts by our sister agency, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for their leadership in this lawsuit,” said Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota.
About the International Institute of Minnesota
For over half a century, the International Institute of Minnesota has successfully welcomed more than 26,000 refugees to our state. Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. The Institute’s comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and immigration and citizenship assistance. The Institute is recognized as Minnesota’s leading charitable organization dedicated to helping New Americans rebuild their lives while pursuing their personal and professional goals.
How to Help
Contributions to the International Institute of Minnesota help us fund and provide services during times of uncertainty. The Institute is grateful for the community’s support in standing with New Americans so they can find safety, stability and success. Our mission will remain possible because of the community’s generosity.