NEW YORK — A federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended the processing of immigrant visas for people from 75 countries, creating a significant new development in the U.S. immigration debate.

U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the policy exceeded the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conflicted with federal immigration law. The policy had been introduced earlier this year and was justified by the administration on concerns that some applicants could become dependent on public assistance.

The affected countries include Brazil, Colombia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with countries across Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The policy had effectively halted immigrant visa processing based on applicants' nationalities rather than individual case assessments.

The ruling is expected to have consequences for families and U.S. sponsors whose immigration applications were affected by the suspension. Immigration advocates have welcomed the decision, while the administration could face further legal proceedings over the policy.

The decision adds another major court challenge to the Trump administration's immigration agenda as federal judges continue to review sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system.