Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee is unlawful, US judge rules

A federal judge in Boston has invalidated a controversial $100,000 surcharge that the Trump administration attempted to levy on new H-1B visa applications. The court determined that the executive branch lacked the constitutional authority to implement such a significant financial burden on employers seeking to hire specialized international talent. According to the ruling, the fee functioned as an unauthorized tax that had not been approved by the legislative branch. This decision effectively halts the administration's effort to drastically alter the costs associated with the high-skilled worker visa program. The government has not yet indicated whether it intends to challenge the judge's findings in a higher court.

The ruling reinforces the separation of powers by preventing the executive branch from unilaterally imposing taxes without congressional approval.