Big blow to Trump administration: Court cancels huge fee of $1 lakh on H-1B visa, wave of happiness among Indian expatriates

Washington: Organizations advocating the interests of Indian immigrants in the US have welcomed the decision of the Massachusetts federal court to cancel the US $ 100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas by the Trump administration. He says this decision is appropriate to maintain America’s competitive edge in innovation and entrepreneurship. Khanderao Kand, head of policy and strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), said, “We welcome the decision of the federal court in Massachusetts, which has struck down the US$100,000 levy as H-1B visa fee. This will restore certainty and fairness in the employment-based immigration system.”

Big relief on H-1B visa

“The court order will provide relief to all stakeholders related to H-1B visas, but the question remains whether this is really the end of the issue,” said Sanjeev Joshipura, executive director of Indiaspora.

Kand said the court’s decision is appropriate to maintain America’s competitive edge in innovation, research and entrepreneurship. He said, “Access to highly skilled global talent is essential to the continued growth of America’s technology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing sectors. This decision reinforces the principle that major policy changes should be based on statutory authority and economic realities.”

Big blow to Trump administration

Cundt said FIIDS believes a balanced and merit-based immigration framework strengthens both American businesses and the broader economy. However, Joshipura advised caution, saying that the US administration could still create procedural barriers for H-1B visa holders that do not violate the law. “If the Executive wishes to create barriers to H-1B visa holders, as indicated by the Administration’s stated policy priorities, it can adopt procedural measures that do not conflict with U.S. law,” he said.

He also mentioned the recent confrontation between the administration and the judiciary. A federal judge on Monday struck down a US$100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications imposed by US President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the levy was illegal because it did not seek Congressional approval. In September last year, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a fee of US $ 100,000 on new H-1B visa applications.