US judge blocks Trump’s US$100,000 fee for skilled visa applications

A federal judge has officially struck down a Trump-era policy that mandated a $100,000 fee for specific skilled worker visa applications. The court ruled that the executive branch lacked the necessary legal authority to impose such a significant financial levy on H-1B petitions. By invalidating this requirement, the judiciary determined that the administration had overstepped its constitutional boundaries regarding tax-like assessments. This decision effectively removes a substantial barrier that had been intended to restrict the entry of certain foreign professionals. The ruling reinforces the principle that major fiscal mandates require explicit congressional approval rather than unilateral executive action.

The decision clarifies the limitations of executive power in setting immigration-related fees and protects businesses from unauthorized financial burdens.