Case: League of Women Voters of the United States v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

8:25-cv-03777 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Filed Date: Nov. 18, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenges a 2025 Trump Administration policy that bars NGOs from offering voter registration services at administrative naturalization ceremonies. On November 18, 2025, the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS), its Education Fund, and several state and local affiliates (collectively, “the League”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of Ho…

This case challenges a 2025 Trump Administration policy that bars NGOs from offering voter registration services at administrative naturalization ceremonies.

On November 18, 2025, the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS), its Education Fund, and several state and local affiliates (collectively, “the League”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The plaintiffs alleged that USCIS had, for decades, permitted nonpartisan NGOs like the League to provide voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies, a practice abruptly terminated on August 29, 2025, when the agency issued a "Voter Registration Ban" (the Ban) without prior notice or public comment. This reversal of longstanding policy, the plaintiffs claimed, disproportionately hindered their ability to register new citizens, as they had historically served as the primary providers of such services. They further asserted that the Ban violated their First Amendment rights by restricting speech and associational activities related to voter registration. The complaint argued that state and local election officials lacked the capacity to replace the League’s voter registration efforts, exacerbating the harm caused by the policy change.

The lawsuit advanced six causes of action, including claims that USCIS violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by failing to follow notice-and-comment procedures, acting arbitrarily and capriciously, and that USCIS violated both the First Amendment and the APA by implementing agency action that was contrary to free speech and associational rights. The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, including an order setting aside the Ban as unlawful under the APA, federal statute and the Constitution, and/or the First Amendment, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. On November 18, 2025, the case was assigned to District Judge Deborah L. Boardman, but was then reassigned to District Judge Adam B. Abelson on November 20, 2025.

On December 17, 2025, the plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the enforcement of the Ban, or in the alternative, a stay of the Ban to ensure no steps are taken to enforce the Ban.

On December 23, 2025, the plaintiffs moved to consolidate this case with National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 8:25-cv-03675, which was granted by the court on January 8, 2026, with this case as the lead case.

On January 30, 2026, the defendants moved to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim.

On March 17, 2026, a hearing was held on the defendants’ motion to dismiss the case and the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction. The court directed the government to file a status report by March 25, 2026, indicating whether there was any administrative record relevant to the plaintiff’s APA claims.

On August 3, 2026, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion to stay and denied, in part, the defendants’ motion to dismiss. The court first determined that the plaintiffs had sufficiently demonstrated standing to pursue their claims, including under the First Amendment and the APA. The court then held that the Ban likely violated the First Amendment by engaging in viewpoint discrimination and failing to satisfy the APA’s requirements for substantive rulemaking. While the court found that the plaintiffs had stated a plausible claim for associational rights violations, it concluded they had not shown a likelihood of success on that claim for preliminary relief. The court further ruled that the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) had adequately alleged an equal protection violation under the Fifth Amendment but dismissed its substantive due process claim. Applying the APA’s arbitrary-and-capricious standard, the court found the Ban unreasonable, as USCIS failed to justify its abrupt policy reversal or consider relevant data. Because the plaintiffs demonstrated irreparable harm and the balance of equities favored relief, the court granted their motions for a stay, reinstating the 2011 USCIS policy permitting voter registration assistance. The court partially denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss, preserving most claims while dismissing NCJW’s substantive due process count without prejudice. Finally, the parties were ordered to submit a joint status report outlining their proposed discovery or summary judgment schedule. 2026 WL 2224637.

As of August 13, 2026, this case remains ongoing.

Summary Authors

Madeline Dollard (8/13/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71927766/parties/league-of-women-voters-of-the-united-states-v-us-citizenship-and/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Alerasool, Omeed (Maryland)

Appel, Rachel (Maryland)

Baldwin, Anna Marks (Maryland)

Branch, Aria C. (Maryland)

Brophy, Daniel (Maryland)

Attorney for Defendant

Attorney for Plaintiff

Alerasool, Omeed (Maryland)

Appel, Rachel (Maryland)

Baldwin, Anna Marks (Maryland)

Branch, Aria C. (Maryland)

Brophy, Daniel (Maryland)

Copper, Alexandra (Maryland)

Lallinger, Lucas Wilhelm (Maryland)

Lang, Danielle Marie (Maryland)

Morrison, Tina Meng (Maryland)

O'Donnell, Renata (Maryland)

Richardson, Valencia (Maryland)

Ryan, Katherine Chamblee (Maryland)

Spiva, Bruce V (Maryland)

Attorney for Defendant

Underwood, Ryan (Maryland)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2 8:25-cv-03777	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief League of Women Voters of the United States et al. v. United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services et al.	Nov. 18, 2025	Nov. 18, 2025 Complaint
21 8:25-cv-03777	Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction League of Women Voters of the United States et al. v. United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services et al.	Dec. 17, 2025	Dec. 17, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
45 8:25-cv-03777	Order League of Women Voters of the United States et al. v. United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services et al.	March 18, 2026	March 18, 2026 Order/Opinion
59 8:25-cv-03777	Memorandum Opinion League of Women Voters of the United States et al. v. United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services et al.	Aug. 3, 2026	Aug. 3, 2026 Order/Opinion 2026 WL 2224637
60 8:25-cv-03777	Order League of Women Voters of the United States et al. v. United Stated Citizenship and Immigration Services et al.	Aug. 3, 2026	Aug. 3, 2026 Order/Opinion

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71927766/league-of-women-voters-of-the-united-states-v-us-citizenship-and/

Last updated Sept. 8, 2026, 3:07 a.m.

Docket for: League of Women Voters of the United States v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Nov. 18, 2025	[FILED IN ERROR - wrong document attached, attorney will refile] COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AMDDC-12362087.), filed by League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of Colorado. (Attachments: # (1) Civil Cover Sheet, # (2) Summons, # (3) Summons, # (4) Summons, # (5) Summons, # (6) Summons, # (7) Summons, # (8) Local Rule 103.3 Corporate Disclosure Statement)(Spiva, Bruce) Modified on 11/18/2025 (kk5s).	RECAP
2	Nov. 18, 2025	COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of Colorado. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit A, # (2) Civil Cover Sheet, # (3) Summons, # (4) Summons, # (5) Summons, # (6) Summons, # (7) Summons, # (8) Summons)(Spiva, Bruce) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER 4 Summons View on PACER 5 Summons View on PACER 6 Summons View on PACER 7 Summons View on PACER 8 Summons View on PACER	Clearinghouse
3	Nov. 18, 2025	Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States (Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
	Nov. 18, 2025	Case Assigned to Judge Deborah L. Boardman. (jf3s, Deputy Clerk)
4	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Danielle Lang (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363752.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
5	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Anna Baldwin (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363762.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
6	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Alexandra Copper (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363793.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
7	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Valencia Richardson (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363806.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
8	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Renata ODonnell (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363819.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
9	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Rachel Appel (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363848.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
10	Nov. 19, 2025	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Daniel Brophy (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12363859.) by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
11	Nov. 19, 2025	Summons Issued 60 days as to Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General(kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
12	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [4] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Danielle Lang. Directing attorney Danielle Lang to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
13	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [5] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Anna Baldwin. Directing attorney Anna Baldwin to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
14	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [6] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Alexandra Copper. Directing attorney Alexandra Copper to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
15	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [7] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Valencia Richardson. Directing attorney Valencia Richardson to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
16	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [8] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Renata O'Donnell. Directing attorney Renata O'Donnell to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
17	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [9] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Rachel Appel. Directing attorney Rachel Appel to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
18	Nov. 20, 2025	PAPERLESS ORDER granting [10] Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Daniel Brophy. Directing attorney Daniel Brophy to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 11/20/2025. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
	Nov. 20, 2025	Case Reassigned to Judge Adam B Abelson. Judge Deborah L. Boardman no longer assigned to the case. (kns, Deputy Clerk)
19	Dec. 16, 2025	SUMMONS Returned Executed by League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of Colorado. Kristi Noem served on 11/21/2025, answer due 12/12/2025; U.S. Department of Homeland Security served on 11/21/2025, answer due 12/12/2025; United States Citizenship and Immigration Services served on 12/2/2025, answer due 12/23/2025.(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
20	Dec. 17, 2025	SUMMONS Returned Executed by League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of Colorado. Joseph B. Edlow served on 12/17/2025, answer due 1/7/2026.(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
21	Dec. 17, 2025	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States (Attachments: # (1) Memorandum in Support Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # (2) Index of Exhibits, # (3) Declaration of Anna Baldwin, # (4) Exhibit 1, # (5) Exhibit 2, # (6) Exhibit 3, # (7) Exhibit 4, # (8) Exhibit 5, # (9) Exhibit 6, # (10) Exhibit 7, # (11) Exhibit 8, # (12) Exhibit 9, # (13) Exhibit 10, # (14) Exhibit 11, # (15) Exhibit 12, # (16) Exhibit 13, # (17) Text of Proposed Order)(Spiva, Bruce) 1 Memorandum in Support Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction View on RECAP 2 Index of Exhibits View on RECAP 3 Declaration of Anna Baldwin View on RECAP 4 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 8 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 9 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 10 Exhibit 7 View on PACER 11 Exhibit 8 View on PACER 12 Exhibit 9 View on PACER 13 Exhibit 10 View on PACER 14 Exhibit 11 View on PACER 15 Exhibit 12 View on PACER 16 Exhibit 13 View on PACER 17 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
22	Dec. 18, 2025	NOTICE by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States re [21] MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Corrected Exhibit 7 (ECF No. 21-10) (Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
23	Dec. 19, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Ryan Underwood on behalf of All Defendants (Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
24	Dec. 23, 2025	Joint MOTION to Consolidate Cases by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States (Attachments: # (1) Text of Proposed Order)(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
25	Jan. 7, 2026	Consent MOTION for Leave to File Response Out of Time and for Leave to File Excess Pages by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Attachments: # (1) Text of Proposed Order)(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
26	Jan. 8, 2026	ORDER granting [24] Plaintiffs' Motion to Consolidate Cases 25-cv-3777 (Lead) and 25-cv-3675; granting [25] Defendants' Motion for leave to file out of time Defendants' response to plaintiffs' motions for preliminary injunction and for leave to file consolidated brief; directing Defendants to file one consolidated response brief to Plaintiffs' motions for preliminary injunction of no more than 45 pages on or before 1/14/2026. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 1/8/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
27	Jan. 14, 2026	RESPONSE in Opposition re [21] MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Nathaniel Stiefel, # (2) Exhibit 2 - Declaration of Claudia Young)(Underwood, Ryan) 1 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Nathaniel Stiefel View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 - Declaration of Claudia Young View on PACER	RECAP
28	Jan. 20, 2026	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Attachments: # (1) Text of Proposed Order)(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
29	Jan. 21, 2026	ORDER granting [28] Defendants' consent motion for extension of Defendants' deadline to respond to the complaint. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 1/21/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
30	Jan. 28, 2026	REPLY to Response to Motion re [21] MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States.(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
31	Jan. 28, 2026	REPLY to Response to Motion re MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (No. 25-cv-03675-ABA, Dkt. No. 20) filed by National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section.(Alerasool, Omeed) Modified on 1/30/2026 (ybs).	RECAP
32	Jan. 30, 2026	Consent MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Attachments: # (1) Text of Proposed Order)(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
33	Jan. 30, 2026	MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Attachments: # (1) Memorandum in Support, # (2) Text of Proposed Order)(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
34	Feb. 2, 2026	ORDER granting [32] Defendants Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 2/2/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
35	Feb. 13, 2026	RESPONSE in Opposition re [33] MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States.(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
36	Feb. 13, 2026	RESPONSE in Opposition re [33] MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section.(Alerasool, Omeed)	RECAP
37	Feb. 18, 2026	ORDER directing parties to jointly identify a mutually agreeable date and time for the hearing and file a joint status report by 2/23/2026. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 2/18/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
38	Feb. 19, 2026	STATUS REPORT Joint Status Report by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
39	Feb. 20, 2026	PAPERLESS ORDER: The Court will hold a motions hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Courtroom 7D of the Edward A. Garmatz United States Courthouse in Baltimore, Maryland. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 2/20/2026. (rd3s, Law Clerk)	RECAP
40	Feb. 26, 2026	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Attachments: # (1) Text of Proposed Order)(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
41	March 2, 2026	ORDER granting [40] Defendants' unopposed motion for an extension of time to file their reply to Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss to 3/6/2026. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 3/2/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
42	March 6, 2026	REPLY to Response to Motion re [33] MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
43	March 13, 2026	NOTICE by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States Notice of Corrected Declaration of Celina W. Stewart (ECF No. 21-9) (Attachments: # (1) Attachment 1, # (2) Attachment 2)(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
44	March 17, 2026	Motion Hearing held on 3/17/2026 re [33] MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, [21] MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of the United States, League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of Colorado before Judge Adam B Abelson.(Court Reporter: Nadine Bachmann, Courtroom 7D) (cb5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
45	March 18, 2026	ORDER directing the government to file a status report on or before 3/25/2026. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 3/18/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	Clearinghouse
46	March 25, 2026	STATUS REPORT by Joseph B. Edlow, National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
47	March 25, 2026	Proposed Scheduling Order submitted by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States. (Spiva, Bruce) Modified on 3/26/2026 (kk5s).	RECAP
48	March 31, 2026	ORDER Scheduling deadlines as stated herein. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 3/30/2026. (bas, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
49	March 31, 2026	NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on 03/17/2026, before Judge Abelson. Court Reporter Nadine Bachmann, Telephone number 410-962-4753 - nadine_bachmann@mdd.uscourts.gov. Total number of pages filed: 150. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained from the Court Reporter or through PACER. Redaction Request due 4/21/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/1/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/29/2026.(nb, Court Reporter)	RECAP
50	April 1, 2026	RESPONSE re [47] Proposed Pretrial Order, filed by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
51	April 8, 2026	NOTICE by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States of Supplemental Authority (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit A)(Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
52	April 8, 2026	REPLY TO RESPONSE to [47] Proposed Scheduling Order, filed by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States.(Spiva, Bruce) Modified on 4/8/2026 (kk5s).	RECAP
53	April 15, 2026	NOTICE of filing Administrative Record by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Attachments: # (1) Attachment Certification, # (2) Attachment Index of Record, # (3) Attachment Administrative Record)(Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
54	April 22, 2026	Supplement to [21] MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by League of Women Voters Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Colorado, League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, League of Women Voters of The Charleston Area, League of Women Voters of the United States Supplemental Brief on Arbitrary and Capricious Claim in Support of the League Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction (Spiva, Bruce)	RECAP
55	April 22, 2026	Supplement to [27] Response in Opposition to Motion, filed by Joseph B. Edlow, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Underwood, Ryan)	RECAP
56	April 22, 2026	Supplement to Motion for Preliminary Injunction (No. 25-cv-03675-ABA, Dkt. No. 20) (Alerasool, Omeed)	RECAP
57	June 29, 2026	MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney Omeed Alerasool by National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section(Alerasool, Omeed)	RECAP
58	July 1, 2026	ORDER granting [57] Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Omeed Alerasool terminated. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 7/1/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	RECAP
59	Aug. 3, 2026	MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 8/3/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	Clearinghouse
60	Aug. 3, 2026	ORDER granting Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction or, in the alternative, for a stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 (Case No. 25-cv-3675, ECF No. 20; Case No. 25-cv-3777, ECF No. [21]), construed as a motion for a stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705; granting in part and denying in part [33] Defendants' motion to dismiss; directing parties to file a joint status report indicating their positions on deadlines for discovery and dispositive motions within 14 days. The effective date of USCIS, PA-2025-21 (8/29/2025) and the corresponding update to the USCIS Policy Manual are stayed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 705 pending a final ruling on the merits of this case. The USCIS Policy Manual effective on 6/28/2017 is hereby reinstated pending final resolution of this case. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 8/3/2026. (kk5s, Deputy Clerk)	Clearinghouse

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Maryland

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Voting/Election Law

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 18, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS), its Education Fund, and several state and local affiliates

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of Maryland 8:25-cv-03777

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Stay of government action

Relief Granted:

Declaratory Judgment

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

Voting:

Voter registration rules

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of League of Women Voters of the United States v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48357/ (last updated 8/13/2026).

Case: League of Women Voters of the United States v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

8:25-cv-03777 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Case Summary

Related Cases

People

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Docket

Docket for: League of Women Voters of the United States v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Case Details