Court Rules Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee Unlawful in Major Immigration Policy Setback
A federal judge has struck down President Donald Trump’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling that the administration lacked legal authority to impose the charge.
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin concluded the fee functioned as a tax, which can only be imposed by Congress. The ruling blocks enforcement of one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive changes to the legal immigration system.
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The fee was introduced in 2025 as part of a broader effort to reshape the H-1B program and reduce reliance on foreign labor. Supporters argued the policy would encourage employers to hire American workers. Opponents said it created major barriers for universities, hospitals, technology firms, and smaller employers seeking specialized talent.
The ruling drew praise from Democratic attorneys general and immigration advocates, while the White House signaled it expects the decision to be overturned on appeal. The case now becomes part of a wider legal debate over the limits of presidential authority in immigration policy.
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