A federal judge has struck down President Donald Trump’s requirement that employers pay a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, CNN reported. The ruling found that the administration did not have the legal authority to impose the charge without approval from Congress.
The decision came from U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston, who said the fee functioned as a tax rather than a lawful immigration restriction. CNN noted that the policy had been challenged by Democratic state attorneys general who argued it would hurt employers, universities, hospitals, and other institutions that rely on skilled foreign workers.
The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to hire workers in specialized fields, including technology, engineering, health care, and education. Supporters say it helps fill gaps in the labor market. Critics argue the system can be misused to reduce labor costs.
The ruling blocks enforcement of the fee for now. The Trump administration is expected to appeal, leaving the final outcome unsettled.
