Hamed Almaqrami v. Michael Pompeo

Griffith, Circuit Judge:

Plaintiffs were offered the chance to apply for a select number of "diversity visas." The government never granted them visas, and the statutory deadline to do so has now passed. But this case is not moot because whether the district court retains the authority to award plaintiffs relief is a merits question. We reverse the district court's decision to the contrary.

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In general, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to come to the United States must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United…