Boston, June 8. In a major relief to Indian professionals, a US court has declared President Donald Trump’s $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B applications illegal as it was not approved.
US District Court Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston said in his decision, ‘The Court believes that this policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the necessary approval given by Congress.’ This decision is going to provide great relief to Indian professionals.
In fact, the H-1B program is one of America’s most popular work visa programs, allowing American companies to hire skilled talent globally. Trump’s order proposed imposing an annual fee of $100,000 per H-1B worker, creating uncertainty over visa reforms and new rules.
This was Trump’s order
Last September, Trump signed a proclamation adding this $100,000 fee to new H-1B visa applications. These fees are usually paid by the sponsoring employer. Administration officials had called it an initiative to encourage companies to hire Americans. ‘The essence of the $100,000 payment here and its application make it clear that it is a tax, whatever name it may be called,’ Judge Sorokin wrote.
Trump administration exceeded its limits – court
The judge agreed with the group of 20 states, saying the Trump administration overstepped its bounds and that the tariffs usurp Congress’ immigration policy and tax-making powers.
The H-1B visa program is used extensively by US technology companies to hire foreign workers. Indian professionals are one of the largest groups among H-1B visa holders, including IT workers and doctors.
This decision has come at a time when, just a few days ago, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin had given important information to the Senate panel. It had reported that more than two lakh applicants for H-1B visas in fiscal year 2026 had paid one lakh dollars for faster processing.
Comments are closed.