Case: Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America v. United States Department of Homeland Security

1:25-cv-03675 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Oct. 16, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued the Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers Proclamation (the “Proclamation”), which imposes a $100,000 fee on all new petitions filed by U.S. employers intending to hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. The H-1B visa program, created by Congress in 1952 via the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), makes available a nonimmigrant visa for a noncitizen “who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services .…

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued the Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers Proclamation (the “Proclamation”), which imposes a $100,000 fee on all new petitions filed by U.S. employers intending to hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. The H-1B visa program, created by Congress in 1952 via the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), makes available a nonimmigrant visa for a noncitizen “who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services . . . in a specialty occupation.” The program requires the “importing employer” to file a petition for a nonimmigrant visa, and prior to the Proclamation, most H-1B petitions cost less than $3,600. 

The Chamber of Commerce brought suit against the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), the Department of State, and their Secretaries, challenging the Proclamation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on October 16, 2025. The case was assigned to judge Beryl Alaine Howell. 

In the complaint, and the amended complaint filed on October 24 which adds the Association of American Universities as a plaintiff, the plaintiffs alleged the Proclamation’s fee “would inflict significant harm on American businesses and institutions of higher education, which would be forced to either dramatically increase their labor costs or hire fewer highly skilled employees for whom domestic replacements are not readily available.” Further, these alleged harms would benefit “America’s economic rivals, who will surely welcome the talent no longer able to accept work in the United States.” 

The plaintiffs challenged the Proclamation as violative of the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”), the INA, and constitutional separation of powers. They alleged the Proclamation “blatantly contravenes” the fees Congress set for the H1-B visa program, and the imposition of a $100,000 fee will “fundamentally alter the program,” countermanding Congress’s judgement that the H1-B program should exist and provide a pathway for up to 85,000 highly-skilled people annually to work in the U.S. The plaintiffs sought a declaration that the Proclamation exceeded the executive authority, an injunction against enforcement of the Proclamation, and fees and costs. 

On October 24, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a motion for Preliminary Injunction (“PI”) and Summary Judgement. The PI was sought to block enforcement of the Proclamation and any agency action implementing it against Plaintiffs’ members until the court can adjudicate the claims on the merits. In the alternative, the plaintiffs sought summary judgment in their favor on all counts.

Dr. Tamara Sanderfield, a “U.S. citizen and ECFMG-certified physician whose professional opportunities have been impacted by H-1B hiring practices,” filed a pro se motion to intervene under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 24(a)(2) (Intervene as of Right), or alternatively under Rule 24(b) (Permissive Intervention).

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Madena Mustafa (11/22/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71666384/parties/chamber-of-commerce-of-the-united-states-of-america-v-united-states/


Judge(s)

Howell, Beryl Alaine (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bhabha, Ishan Kharshedji (District of Columbia)

Harrison, Lindsay C. (District of Columbia)

Henthorne, Elizabeth (District of Columbia)

Hogarth, Sarah Patricia (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-03675

Complaint

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

Complaint
8

1:25-cv-03675

Amended Complaint

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

Complaint
54

1:25-cv-03675

Memorandum & Opinion

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 3719234

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71666384/chamber-of-commerce-of-the-united-states-of-america-v-united-states/

Last updated Jan. 7, 2026, 1:01 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12025448) filed by CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons to Dept of Homeland Security, # 3 Summons to Dept of State, # 4 Summons to Noem, # 5 Summons to Rubio, # 6 Summons to USAO, # 7 Summons to AG)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons to Dept of Homeland Security

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3 Summons to Dept of State

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4 Summons to Noem

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5 Summons to Rubio

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6 Summons to USAO

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7 Summons to AG

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Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE of Appearance by Sarah Patricia Hogarth on behalf of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Hogarth, Sarah) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

3

NOTICE of Appearance by Grace Wallack on behalf of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Wallack, Grace) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

4

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

5

SUMMONS (6) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

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Case Assigned/Reassigned

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

Case Assigned to Judge Beryl A. Howell. (zmtm)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

6

STANDING ORDER. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 17, 2025. (lcbah4) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

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7

NOTICE of Appearance by Daryl Langdon Joseffer on behalf of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Joseffer, Daryl) (Entered: 10/23/2025)

Oct. 23, 2025

Oct. 23, 2025

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8

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

Clearinghouse
9

NOTICE of Appearance by Adam Granich Unikowsky on behalf of ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Unikowsky, Adam) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

10

NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Henthorne on behalf of ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Henthorne, Elizabeth) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

11

NOTICE of Appearance by Ishan Kharshedji Bhabha on behalf of ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Bhabha, Ishan) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

12

NOTICE of Appearance by Lindsay C. Harrison on behalf of ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Harrison, Lindsay) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

13

NOTICE of Appearance by Zachary Charles Schauf on behalf of ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Schauf, Zachary) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

14

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 10/17/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 12/16/2025. (Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

15

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. MARCO A. RUBIO served on 10/23/2025 (Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

16

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY served on 10/22/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt, # 2 Exhibit USPS Tracking and Proof of Delivery)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

17

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. KRISTI NOEM served on 10/22/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt, # 2 Exhibit USPS Tracking and Proof of Delivery)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

18

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction or, in the alternative, MOTION for Summary Judgment by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Exhibit Index of Exhibits, # 4 Declaration Shen, # 5 Declaration Daniels, # 6 Declaration Poser, # 7 Declaration Snyder, # 8 Declaration CMU, # 9 Declaration UIUC, # 10 Declaration Hopkins, # 11 Declaration Michigan, # 12 Declaration Minnesota, # 13 Declaration Pitt, # 14 Declaration Utah, # 15 Declaration WashU, # 16 Declaration Wisconsin, # 17 Declaration Gonzales, # 18 Declaration Hughes, # 19 Exhibit 1 - Proclamation, # 20 Exhibit 2 - USCIS Memo, # 21 Exhibit 3 - USCBP Memo, # 22 Exhibit 4 - USDOS FAQ, # 23 Exhibit 5 - USCIS H-1B Website, # 24 Exhibit 6 - USCIS Fee Schedule, # 25 Exhibit 7 - FWD.us Article, # 26 Exhibit 8 - Chamber - Labor Shortag, # 27 Exhibit 9 - AAMC Article, # 28 Exhibit 10 - Kahn Article, # 29 Exhibit 11 - AIC Article, # 30 Exhibit 12 - Peri Article, # 31 Exhibit 13 - Mahajan Article, # 32 Exhibit 14 - Jiang Article, # 33 Exhibit 15 - Morales Article, # 34 Exhibit 16 - Gunadi Article, # 35 Exhibit 17 - Chamber Litigation Center, # 36 Exhibit 18 - Chamber - Immigration, # 37 Exhibit 19 - Chamber Comment 1, # 38 Exhibit 20 - Chamber Comment 2, # 39 Exhibit 21 - Almasalkhi Article, # 40 Exhibit 22 - NASEM Excerpt, # 41 Exhibit 23 - Nowrasteh Article, # 42 Exhibit 24 - Zakrewski article, # 43 Exhibit 25 - Chamber - America Works Initiative, # 44 Exhibit 26 - USCIS Registrations, # 45 Exhibit 27 - Dimmock Article, # 46 Exhibit 28 - Santamaria CRS Report, # 47 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

1

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2

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Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

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19

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES (Harrison, Lindsay) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

20

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE served on 10/23/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certified Mail Receipt, # 2 Exhibit USPS Tracking and Proof of Delivery)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/24/2025)

Oct. 24, 2025

Oct. 24, 2025

21

NOTICE of Appearance by Alexandra McTague on behalf of All Defendants (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 10/27/2025)

Oct. 27, 2025

Oct. 27, 2025

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22

MOTION to Stay re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction or, in the alternative MOTION for Summary Judgment by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 10/27/2025)

1 Proposed Order

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Oct. 27, 2025

Oct. 27, 2025

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23

Memorandum in opposition to re 22 MOTION to Stay re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction or, in the alternative MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

24

Cross MOTION for Briefing Schedule by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

25

REPLY to opposition to motion re 22 Motion to Stay, filed by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

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Order on Motion for Briefing Schedule AND Order on Motion to Stay

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

26

Memorandum in opposition to re 24 Cross MOTION for Briefing Schedule filed by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

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27

REPLY to opposition to motion re 24 Motion for Briefing Schedule filed by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

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MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of defendants' 22 Motion to Stay ("Defs.' Stay Mot."), plaintiffs' 23 Memorandum in Opposition to the Motion to Stay ("Pls.' Opp'n to Stay") and 24 Cross Motion for Briefing Schedule ("Pls.' Cross Mot. for Briefing Schedule"), defendants' 25 Reply in Support of Motion for Stay ("Defs.' Stay Reply") and 26 Memorandum in Opposition to Cross Motion for Briefing Schedule, and plaintiffs' 27 Reply in Support of Cross Motion to Set Briefing Schedule, DENYING defendants' 22 Motion to Stay and GRANTING IN PART and DENYING IN PART plaintiffs' 23 Cross-Motion for Briefing Schedule, both of which motions became ripe today, for the following reasons. Defendants raise three principal reasons for why a stay of any briefing schedule is required, but none is persuasive. First, defendants argue that attorneys at the Department of Justice "are prohibited from working, even on a voluntary basis, except in very limited circumstances, including 'emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.'" Defs.' Stay Mot. ¶ 6 (quoting 31 U.S.C. § 1342). To the contrary, the Department of Justice's own Contingency Plan obliges employees to work "[i]f a court denies [a stay] request and orders a case to continue" because such order "would constitute express legal authorization for the activity to continue." FY 2026 Contingency Plan at 3 (Sept. 29, 2025), https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1377216/dl. Moreover, defendants contend that "the stay proceedings ordered by Chief Judge Boasberg[] applies to this case and is still in effect." Defs.' Stay Mot. ¶ 5 (citing D.D.C. Standing Order, No. 25-55 (Oct. 1, 2025) (Boasberg, C.J.)). Such reliance is misplaced. D.D.C. Standing Order, No. 25-55, imposes, by default, a stay of deadlines imposed upon the United States in a summary judgment action, and permits such deadlines to apply in individual cases by "further order of the Court," D.D.C. Standing Order No. 25-55, in the discretion of the presiding Judge.Second, defendants contend that federal government attorneys will have difficulty communicating with other federal government employees of defendants, many of whom may be furloughed. Consequently, "because of the lapse in appropriations, the [defendants'] attorney has not been able to work with the appropriate agency counsel to determine whether and to what extent there may be an administrative record necessary for the Court to review and resolve this case." Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 4. While appreciating that the federal government attorneys are furloughed and face challenges in responding to the pending substantive motion in this case given the lapse in federal appropriations and the furloughs of employees of the executive branch and its agencies, "good cause" for denial of stay may be found for reasons broader than an emergency posing imminent and irreparable harm, as defendants seem to urge. Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 1 ("There is no emergency and this alone is good cause to stay the briefing at this time."). Even if the alleged direct harm from the presidential proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, Proclamation 10973, 90 Fed. Reg. 46207 (Sept. 19, 2025), does not manifest for some members within an association "until March 2026," Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 1, other members of the Chambers of Commerce not subject to the H-1B visa cap and all of the Association of American Universities' members, do allege present harm and are entitled to prompt adjudication of their claims. Pls.' Opp'n to Stay 5-6. For instance, the Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs and CEO for Wash U Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis represented that the Department of Anesthesiology had planned to file an application for an H1-B visa to fill a vacancy during the week of September 21st and two more soon thereafter but for the proclamation. See Pls.' Opp'n to Stay 6 (citing ECF 18-15 ¶ 10 (Scheel Decl.)). In short, the executive branch cannot rely on the lapse of appropriations to insulate itself from meaningful judicial review sought by those who allege that the executive branch's continuing actions exceed constitutional limitations and frustrate their ability, as private entities, to make plans for talent recruitment and resource allocation.Third, defendants contend that plaintiffs sought a preliminary injunction as "an effort to side step" D.D.C. Standing Order, No. 25-55, Defs.' Stay Mot. ¶ 5, and "to sandbag the government and force Defendants into a quick response using skeletal staff," Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 1, by having to respond to both a preliminary injunction and a summary judgment motion during a lapse in appropriations. Defendants posit that "[i]t is not clear how the government should proceed in addressing Plaintiffs' combined motion . . . . Plaintiffs simply assume both should be addressed." Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 3. To further their point, defendants claim that the harms alleged by plaintiffs "amount to either a U.S. employer's decision not to participate in a regulatory program or [to] pay a program fee--neither of which is irreparable." Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 1. To ameliorate defendants' concerns about the complexities of responding to two motions filed during a lapse in appropriations, and given the lack of any objection from the parties, the motion for a preliminary injunction will be converted to a motion for summary judgment on an expedited schedule. Plaintiffs proposed a briefing schedule that would require defendants to file an opposition on November 10, 2025. Pls.' Cross Mot. for Briefing Schedule 11. Defendants request that, should the Court deny its motion for a stay, the deadline to submit an opposition shall be thirty days from the time of the order--or November 28. Defs.' Stay Reply ¶ 5. The following SCHEDULING ORDER shall control further proceedings: (1) By November 28, 2025, defendants shall file any opposition to plaintiffs' 18 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction or in the Alternative, Summary Judgment; and (2) By December 8, 2025, plaintiffs shall file any reply; (3) As necessary, any hearing will be set following completion of briefing on the pending summary judgment motion. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 29, 2025. (lcbah4)

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant Opposition To Plaintiffs' 18 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction or in the Alternative, Summary Judgment Responses due by 11/28/2025. Plaintiffs Reply due by 12/8/2025. (mac)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

28

MOTION to Intervene by TAMARA SANDERFIELD. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(mg) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

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MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DENYING 28 Motion to Intervene as Plaintiff of Tamara Sanderfield, which pro se motion was docketed on November 17, 2025, at 10:31 P.M., for failure to comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 24(c) and D.D.C. Local Rule of Civil Procedure 7(j).Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 24(c) requires that all motions for intervention "must state the grounds for intervention and be accompanied by a pleading that sets out the claim or defense for which intervention is sought." Likewise, Local Rule of Civil Procedure 7(j) obliges "[a] motion to intervene as a party" to be "accompanied by an original of the pleading setting forth the claim or defense for which intervention is sought." Here, "[m]ovant has not filed such a pleading, and the Court could deny the motion based on that failure to comply with the federal rules alone." Friends of the Earth v. U.S. Env't Prot. Agency, No. 12-cv-363 (ABJ), 2012 WL 13054264, *2 (D.D.C. Apr. 11, 2012). Although "[d]ocuments filed by pro se litigants... are 'to be liberally construed,'" "even pro se litigants must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure." Id. at n.4 (first quoting Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007); and then quoting Jarrell v. Tisch, 656 F. Supp. 237, 239 (D.D.C. 1987)); see also Hedrick v. Fed. Bureau of Investigation, 216 F. Supp. 3d 84, 93 (D.D.C. 2016) ("[E]ven a pro se plaintiff must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and this Court's local rules[.]"). For failure to comply with the federal rules and local rules, the 28 Motion to Intervene is denied. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on November 18, 2025. (lcbah4) Modified on 11/19/2025. (zalh)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

Order on Motion to Intervene

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

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MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment (opposed) by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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30

Memorandum in opposition to re 29 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment (opposed) filed by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of defendants' 29 Motion for Extension of Time and plaintiffs' 30 Opposition to Defendants' Motion for Extension of Time, GRANTING IN PART and DENYING IN PART defendants' 29 motion; and ORDERING defendants to file any opposition to plaintiffs' 18 Motion for a Preliminary injunction or in the Alternative, Summary Judgment by December 1, 2025; and plaintiffs to file any reply by December 10, 2025. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on November 25, 2025. (lcbah4)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

31

NOTICE of Appearance by Tiberius T Davis on behalf of All Defendants (Davis, Tiberius) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

Nov. 26, 2025

Nov. 26, 2025

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Set/Reset Deadlines

Nov. 26, 2025

Nov. 26, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Opposition To Plaintiffs' 18 Motion for a Preliminary injunction or in the Alternative, Summary Judgment due by 12/01/2025. Plaintiffs Reply due by 12/10/2025. (mac)

Nov. 26, 2025

Nov. 26, 2025

32

NOTICE of Appearance by Glenn M. Girdharry on behalf of All Defendants (Girdharry, Glenn) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Mary Schnoor on behalf of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Schnoor, Mary) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred on behalf of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Witkovsky-Eldred, Emmett) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Alex Christopher Boota on behalf of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Boota, Alex) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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Memorandum in opposition to re 18 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction or, in the alternative MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Declaration Jackson, # 3 Declaration McTague, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

1 Statement of Facts

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2 Declaration Jackson

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3 Declaration McTague

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4 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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37

Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts, # 2 Declaration Jackson, # 3 Declaration McTague, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

1 Statement of Facts

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2 Declaration Jackson

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3 Declaration McTague

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4 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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MOTION Relief from LR 7(n) by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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39

RESPONSE re 38 MOTION Relief from LR 7(n) filed by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 12/02/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

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Cross MOTION to Hold in Abeyance re 37 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment, 38 MOTION Relief from LR 7(n) by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 12/02/2025)

Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

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.Order

Dec. 3, 2025

Dec. 3, 2025

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING, upon consideration of defendants' 38 Motion for Relief from Local Rule 7(n) and plaintiffs' 39 Opposition to Defendants' Motion for Relief from Local Rule 7(n) and Cross-Motion to Hold Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment in Abeyance, defendants to file by December 4, 2025, at 2 P.M., any reply in support of its 38 motion for relief from Local Rule 7(n) and any opposition to plaintiffs' 39 cross-motion to hold defendants' motion for summary judgment in abeyance. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 3, 2025. (lcbah4)

Dec. 3, 2025

Dec. 3, 2025

41

Memorandum in opposition to re 40 Cross MOTION to Hold in Abeyance re 37 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment, 38 MOTION Relief from LR 7(n) filed by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/04/2025)

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

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42

REPLY to opposition to motion re 38 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief from LCvR 7(n) filed by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/04/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

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Set/Reset Deadlines

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND Order on Motion to Hold in Abeyance

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Reply In Support Of Its 38 Motion For Relief From Local Rule 7(n) And Any Opposition To Plaintiffs' 39 Cross-Motion To Hold Defendants' Motion For Summary Judgment In Abeyance due by 12/4/2025. (mac)

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DENYING, upon consideration of defendants' 38 Motion for Relief from Local Rule 7(n) ("Defs.' Mot."), their 42 Reply to Opp'n to Mot. re Mot. for Misc. Relief ("Defs.' Reply"), and plaintiffs' 39 Opposition to Defendants' Motion for Relief from Local Rule 7(n) and Cross-Motion to Hold Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment in Abeyance, defendants' 38 motion for relief from Local Rule 7(n); ORDERING defendants to file the administrative record by December 5, 2025; and DENYING, as moot and for failure to comply with Local Rule 7(m), plaintiffs' 39 cross-motion to hold defendants' motion for summary judgment in abeyance. Local Rule 7(n) states that "[i]n cases involving the judicial review of administrative agency actions, unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the agency must file a certified list of the contents of the administrative record... simultaneously with the filing of a dispositive motion." D.D.C. Local Rule 7(n)(1) (emphasis added). Though filing a dispositive motion, see Defs.' 37 Cross Mot. for Summ. J., defendants declined to file a certified list of the contents of the administrative record, explaining that "[t]he administrative record is not required to resolve the pending motions" and that "there is no legitimate reason to burden the Defendants with production of an index of the administrative record at this time." Defs.' Mot. at 3, 5. The time for defendants to request such relief was before filing their dispositive motion. Further, production of the administrative record would not create a "burden" for defendants, given their representation that "because there is no final agency action, there is no record to produce." Defs.' Mot. at 5; see also Defs.' Reply at 6 ("These are not final agency actions requiring a record. Indeed, without a final agency action, there is no record." (emphasis original)). If no administrative record exists, defendants may easily say so.Defendants' requests so far in this case have been amply accommodated. Plaintiffs' first dispositive motion was originally styled as a preliminary injunction, which would have provided defendants with just seven days to respond. See 18 Mot. for Prelim. Inj. or, in the Alternative, Mot. for Summ. J.; D.D.C. Local Rule 65.1(c). Defendants moved for the Court to stay, or, in the alternative, give them thirty days from the time of the Court's order to file their opposition, which motion was granted over plaintiffs' objection that defendants' time for response be limited to November 10, seventeen days after receiving the preliminary injunction. With the parties' consent, the Court converted the preliminary injunction into a motion for summary judgment and gave defendants the thirty days for which they had asked. See Minute Order (Oct. 29, 2025) ("To ameliorate defendants' concerns about the complexities of responding to two motions filed during a lapse in appropriations, and given the lack of any objection from the parties, the motion for a preliminary injunction will be converted to a motion for summary judgment on an expedited schedule."). Defendants subsequently requested an extension of their proposed and adopted deadline and, again over plaintiffs' objection, defendants were granted an additional three days to file opposition. See Minute Order (Nov. 25, 2025). During none of this prior briefing did defendants indicate that they did not intend to follow Local Rule 7(n), and they did not do so until they had already broken Local Rule 7(n) by filing a dispositive motion in this matter, without the required administrative record. Defendants are ORDERED to comply with Local Rule 7(n) by December 5, 2025. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 4, 2025. (lcbah4)

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

43

NOTICE of Appearance by Matt A. Crapo on behalf of FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM (Crapo, Matt) (Entered: 12/05/2025)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

RECAP
44

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Exhibit [Proposed] Order Granting Motion For Leave)(Crapo, Matt) (Entered: 12/05/2025)

1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief

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2 Exhibit [Proposed] Order Granting Motion For Leave

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Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

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45

NOTICE of Compliance with LCvR 7(n) and Court Order by KRISTI NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit State, # 2 Exhibit CBP, # 3 Exhibit USCIS)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/05/2025)

1 Exhibit State

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2 Exhibit CBP

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3 Exhibit USCIS

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Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

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46

AMICUS BRIEF by FEDERATION FOR AMERICAN IMMIGRATION REFORM. (mg) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

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49

REQUEST FOR LEAVE TO FILE REVIEW. The attached document requires leave to file: NICHOLAS HAYS, NON-PARTY'S Letter. Reason(s): Other- NON-PARTY. (mg) (Entered: 12/11/2025)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Administrative Record due by 12/5/2025. (mac)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING the Federation for American Immigration Reform's 44 Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief to which all parties consent. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 5, 2025. (lcbah4)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

47

Memorandum in opposition to re 37 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Declaration of Condrad Daniels, # 2 Response to Defendants' Statement of Material Facts, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 12/10/2025)

1 Supplemental Declaration of Condrad Daniels

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2 Response to Defendants' Statement of Material Facts

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3 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

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48

REPLY to opposition to motion re 18 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,,,,,, Motion for Summary Judgment,,,,,,, filed by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Declaration of Condrad Daniels, # 2 Response to Defendants' Statement of Material Facts, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hughes, Paul) (Entered: 12/10/2025)

1 Supplemental Declaration of Condrad Daniels

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2 Response to Defendants' Statement of Material Facts

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3 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

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MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of plaintiffs' request for a hearing, see Pls.' 18 Mot. for Preliminary Injunction or, in the alternative, MOTION for Summary Judgment at 2, and the fact that briefing on plaintiffs' pending motion and defendants' pending 37 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment, will only be completed on December 17, 2025, due to extensions granted at defendants' request, see Minute Order (Oct. 29, 2025) (giving defendants thirty days to oppose plaintiffs' motion instead of the default of seven days provided by the local rules); Minute Order (Nov. 25, 2025) (granting defendants additional three days to file an opposition), the parties are DIRECTED to appear in Courtroom 26A for a hearing on the pending motions on December 19, 2025, at 10 A.M. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 10, 2025. (lcbah4)

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

.Order

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

NOTICE: Members of the public or media who wish to listen to live audio of the hearing scheduled for December 19, 2025 at 10:00AM ET, without physically attending the proceeding, may do so by dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400, Meeting ID: 491822013. Any use of the public access telephone line requires adherence to the general prohibition against photographing, recording, livestreaming, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference), as set out in Standing Order No. 24-31 (JEB). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. (mac)

Dec. 11, 2025

Dec. 11, 2025

50

MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint by KRISTI L. NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

RECAP

Set/Reset Hearings

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 12/19/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 26A- In Person before Judge Beryl A. Howell. (mac)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

51

REPLY to opposition to motion re 37 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by KRISTI L. NOEM, MARCO A. RUBIO, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

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Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Beryl A. Howell: Motion Hearing held on 12/19/2025 re 18 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. The Court Heard Oral Arguments From The Parties. The Court Reserves Judgment. (Court Reporter ELIZABETH DAVILA.) (mac)

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

52

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Beryl A. Howell, held on 12-19-2025; Page Numbers: 1 - 112. Date of Issuance: 12-23-2025. Court Reporter: Elizabeth Davila, Telephone number: 202-354-3242, Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order Form

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

53

ORDER DENYING plaintiffs' [18] Motion for Preliminary Injunction or, in the Alternative, Motion for Summary Judgment; GRANTING defendants' [37] Cross Motion for Summary Judgment; and DENYING as moot defendants' [50] Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint. See Memorandum Opinion for further details. The Clerk of the Court is directed to close this case. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 23, 2025. (lcbah4)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

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54

MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding plaintiffs' [18] Motion for Preliminary Injunction or, in the Alternative, Motion for Summary Judgment; defendants' [37] Cross Motion for Summary Judgment; and defendants' [50] Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 23, 2025. (lcbah4)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

Clearinghouse
55

NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT as to [54] Memorandum & Opinion, [53] Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,, Order on Motion to Dismiss,, Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, by ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Filing fee $ 605, receipt number ADCDC-12156980. Fee Status: Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Hughes, Paul)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

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56

Transmission of the Notice of Appeal, Order Appealed (Memorandum Opinion), and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals fee was paid re [55] Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court,. (mg)

Dec. 30, 2025

Dec. 30, 2025

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USCA Case Number 25-5473 for 55 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court, filed by CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES. (znmw)

Dec. 31, 2025

Dec. 31, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 16, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Chamber of Commerce and Association of American Universities

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (District of Columbia), Federal

U.S. Department of State (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Constitutional Clause(s):

Separation of Powers

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-03675

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Admission - procedure

Employment

Visas - procedures

Work authorization - procedures