Federal Judge Blocks Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Application Fee
A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that President Trump's attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications was unlawful, violating both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution's tax powers. The policy, implemented in September to restrict foreign worker visas, was challenged by 20 Democratic-led states who argued it exceeded the executive branch's authority. The ruling is significant because the H-1B program is heavily relied upon by tech and finance companies, and Trump plans to appeal the decision.
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin blocked Trump's executive action that raised H-1B visa application fees from $2,000-$5,000 to $100,000, determining the fee constituted an unlawful tax that encroached on Congress's exclusive taxing power. The judge sided with 20 Democratic-led states that sued, ruling the fee exceeded the executive branch's delegated authority. Trump had implemented the policy to limit foreign worker visas, arguing the H-1B program has been exploited to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor and suppress wages. The administration contends Trump has clear legal authority to restrict alien entry classes and plans to appeal. The H-1B program, created in 1990, allows temporary skilled worker employment for up to six years and is particularly important to the tech and finance sectors.
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Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt To Rein In H-1B Visa Program
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