The direct answer
Can USCIS continue holding an Iranian applicant's case solely under the enjoined travel-ban-country policies?
If the applicant belongs to the certified class and the pending case was subject to PM-602-0192 or PM-602-0194 without final adjudication on August 24, 2026, USCIS says it must process the application in the normal course. This does not require approval, guarantee a decision date, or remove other lawful screening or case-specific delays.
Who may be affected?
USCIS states that it will comply with an August 24, 2026 federal-court order requiring the agency to process certain applications previously placed on hold under two travel-ban-country policy memoranda.
The certified class includes qualifying citizens or natives of 39 listed countries—including Iran—and certain people using Palestinian Authority documents. The order does not approve these cases or eliminate existing entry and visa restrictions.
Potentially affected matters can include adjustment, employment authorization, naturalization, family, humanitarian, and employment-based filings when they were subjected to the designated hold.
- The person is a citizen or native of a country covered by Presidential Proclamation 10949 or 10998, or falls within the Palestinian Authority category.
- The person had a pending Form I-589 asylum application or another USCIS benefit request.
- The application was subjected to PM-602-0192 or PM-602-0194.
- USCIS had not finally adjudicated the application by August 24, 2026.
What did the court require?
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California enjoined the two USCIS memoranda and ordered covered applications to be adjudicated through USCIS's normal process.
Applicants may still encounter ordinary processing delays, requests for evidence, interviews, security checks, or other case-specific issues. The injunction does not guarantee a favorable decision or establish a universal completion deadline.
What did the order not change?
The order addresses USCIS benefit-processing holds. It does not independently cancel the presidential entry restrictions, require a consulate to issue a visa, or prevent USCIS from applying otherwise lawful eligibility and screening requirements.
Iran remains among the countries identified in the applicable proclamations. USCIS adjudications, consular visa processing, and admission at a U.S. port of entry are separate legal processes.
Verified key dates
The preliminary injunction is temporary and remains subject to further judicial review.
- December 2, 2025: USCIS issued PM-602-0192.
- January 1, 2026: USCIS issued PM-602-0194.
- August 24, 2026: The court certified the class and issued the preliminary injunction.
- August 28, 2026: USCIS announced that it would comply pending further judicial review.
خلاصه فارسی
دادگاه فدرال به USCIS دستور داده است که بررسی برخی پروندههای متوقفشده مربوط به اتباع ۳۹ کشور، از جمله ایران، را از سر بگیرد. این دستور به معنی تأیید خودکار پرونده، لغو ممنوعیت سفر یا تضمین زمان تصمیمگیری نیست.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Does this mean my USCIS case will be approved?
No. It means a qualifying case cannot remain frozen solely under the two enjoined policies. USCIS can still evaluate eligibility, discretion, evidence, and security requirements.
Does the order cancel the travel ban?
No. The injunction concerns USCIS adjudication holds. Entry restrictions and consular visa rules are separate.
What should I do if my case remains pending?
Preserve every receipt and notice, review whether your case fits the certified class, and check its processing history. The appropriate next step may depend on the benefit requested, current processing time, and whether another case-specific issue is causing the delay.
Sources and further reading
Use these links to review the reporting, official guidance or underlying rule.
USCIS: Recent Court Order on Hold PoliciesUSCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0192USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194Red Eagle Law v. Edlow court docketWhite House: Presidential Entry Restrictions