USCIS Statement on Policies Issued Under Presidential Proclamations 10949 and 10998 Vacated by Federal Court

Key Point  

• A Rhode Island federal court has vacated three USCIS policies tied to recent presidential proclamations, and USCIS will comply with the ruling while preparing updated guidance.

Federal Court Ruling on National‑Security Proclamations 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has confirmed it will comply with the court’s order while preparing updated guidance after a Rhode Island federal court vacated three agency policies tied to recent presidential proclamations. 

Background 

On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued an order in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, et al. v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, et al., vacating PM 602‑0192, PM 602‑0194 and PA 2025‑26. The court entered final judgment on June 11, 2026, making the vacatur effective immediately. 

The plaintiffs include non‑governmental organizations and labor unions representing millions of individuals who filed immigration applications. 

Policies Affected 

The vacated documents include: 

• PM 602‑0192
• PM 602‑0194
• PA 2025‑26

These policies were issued in connection with: 

• Presidential Proclamation 10949 (June 4, 2025)
• Presidential Proclamation 10998 (December 16, 2025)

Both proclamations focused on screening, vetting and national security/public safety concerns. Under the court‑ordered vacatur, these policies must now be treated as if they are not in effect across the agency. 

USCIS Response 

USCIS stated that it strongly disagrees with the ruling but will comply with the court’s order pending possible further judicial review.

The agency confirmed that the vacatur is:

• Effective immediately
• Agency‑wide
• Applicable to all adjudications involving the vacated policies

USCIS also noted that it will issue updated instructions as litigation developments continue.

Next Steps 

Envoy Global will continue tracking this case and provide updates as new information becomes available. 

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