United States federal judge has ruled that Donald Trump’s one hundred thousand dollar fee on H1B visas was unlawful and unauthorized by Congress. The judgment is a major relief for Indian professionals and American technology companies that rely on skilled foreign workers.
Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston stated that the President cannot impose taxes without approval from Congress. The policy was challenged by twenty Democratic state attorneys general. Earlier, employers paid between $2,000 and $5,000 per visa. Trump’s sudden hike to $100,000 discouraged applications and created uncertainty in the job market.
Official data showed a sharp fall in registrations. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services reported a 38.5 percent drop, from 343,981 in fiscal year 2026 to 211,600 in fiscal year 2027. Only 85 payments of the new fee were received by February 15, highlighting its impracticality.
The ruling restores the earlier fee structure and is expected to revive demand for visas. For Indian IT professionals, who form a large share of applicants, the decision offers hope after many lost jobs and returned home during recent layoffs. The judgment may ease hiring for American companies and improve opportunities for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
