When a court issues an injunction against an immigration rule, it orders the government to stop enforcing that rule and resume normal processing of affected cases. In August 2026, a federal court in California enjoined USCIS policies that had indefinitely frozen about 1 million pending applications—affecting applicants from 39 designated countries and the Palestinian Authority whose cases were held based solely on their nationality.
The injunction does not automatically approve those applications. It stops USCIS from using nationality-based blanket holds as a reason for indefinite delay. Each application must now be adjudicated using standard criteria, which means USCIS can approve, deny, or request more information—not guaranteed approval.
Table of Contents
- What "Adjudicate in Normal Course" Actually Means
- Which Applications and Applicants Are Affected
- The Injunction Stands, but the Government Is Appealing
- The Real Timeline: Processing Time, Not a Quick Turnaround
- What to Do While Your Application Processes
- Frequently Asked Questions
What "Adjudicate in Normal Course" Actually Means
When an injunction orders an agency to "adjudicate in normal course," it requires processing but not approval. The injunction prevents USCIS from using a blanket country-based hold as a reason for indefinite delay, but standard adjudication criteria still apply. USCIS evaluates your specific qualifications, background, and documentation exactly as it would for any applicant.
National security and background checks proceed normally. If your case had merit before the hold, an injunction restores your chance at a real decision. If it had problems—missing documents, ineligibility, or security concerns—those remain and must be addressed.
Which Applications and Applicants Are Affected
The August 2026 injunction in *Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Edlow* affected a nationwide class of all pending applicants from 39 designated countries or the Palestinian Authority. The frozen applications included H-1B employment petitions, O-1 visa petitions, Adjustment of Status green card applications, employment authorization documents, and asylum cases.
Approximately 1 million applications were frozen, representing roughly 8–10% of USCIS's total pending caseload. If your application is pending and you are a national of one of the named countries, you are part of this class.
The Injunction Stands, but the Government Is Appealing
USCIS publicly stated it will comply with the court order while "strongly disagreeing" with it. The government requested an emergency stay from the appeals court, which largely left the injunction in place while the full appeal proceeds. This means your application is now being processed, not held indefinitely.
A reversal on appeal would unlikely affect cases already adjudicated or approved. Appellate decisions typically apply forward, not backward. The practical effect is that your application is moving through the system now, competing for adjudicator time like any other case.
The Real Timeline: Processing Time, Not a Quick Turnaround
Removing the country-based hold does not speed overall processing. USCIS faces a backlog of 11.6 million pending cases, and your case must now wait its turn along with every other application. Processing times remain elevated across all benefit types. Expect to wait months for a decision, a request for more evidence, or an interview, depending on your application type and regional office. Check your case status regularly at myUSCIS.gov and respond promptly if USCIS requests additional documents—missing a deadline can result in a denial.
What to Do While Your Application Processes
Verify your contact information with USCIS is current so you do not miss any notices. If you receive a Request for Evidence, respond within the deadline—typically 30 days—with complete and accurate documentation. Prepare for the next step in your case: interview, medical exam, background check, or decision letter. If your application involves genuine hardship—job loss, family separation, or medical emergency—you may submit a request for expedited processing with supporting documentation. Document everything and keep copies of all submissions to USCIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an injunction guarantee my application will be approved?
No. An injunction requires USCIS to process your application using normal standards, which means the agency can approve, deny, or request more evidence based on your individual qualifications.
How long until I get a decision now?
Processing times vary by application type, but expect several months due to USCIS's backlog of over 11 million pending cases.
What should I do if USCIS requests more evidence?
Respond within the provided deadline, typically 30 days. Missing the deadline can result in a denial, regardless of the merits of your case.