Federal Judge Blocks Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Unlawful Tax
On June 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin in Massachusetts struck down President Trump's executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, ruling it an unconstitutional tax exceeding presidential authority. The fee, announced in September 2025, was challenged by 20 Democratic state attorneys general and opposed by major tech companies. The ruling vacates the fee, which had sharply reduced applications, and marks a significant legal setback for Trump's immigration restrictions.
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Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee struck down in one court, upheld in another, setting up Supreme Court fight
A federal judge in Boston struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling it exceeded executive authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The decision contradicts an earlier federal court ruling that upheld the fee, creating a circuit split that likely sets up a Supreme Court battle. The fee, intended to prevent foreign workers from taking American jobs, had caused panic among employers and led to multiple lawsuits. Twenty states argued the policy hindered hiring of doctors, teachers, and researchers. The Department of Homeland Security condemned the ruling as 'judicial activism,' while the White House expressed confidence it would be reversed on appeal. The fee remains in effect until September 2026 in jurisdictions where it was upheld.
Fortune | FORTUNEFederal Judge Rules Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Unconstitutional
A federal judge in Boston ruled that President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, announced in September 2025, is an unconstitutional tax that violates the separation of powers. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin vacated the fee, stating it imposed a tax without congressional delegation and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling contrasts with a December 2025 decision by a D.C. judge who upheld the fee under broad presidential authority. The fee was intended to curb alleged abuse of the H-1B program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields. The case arose from a lawsuit by California and 19 other states, while the D.C. case was brought by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The disagreement centers on statutory interpretation of the Immigration and Nationality Act and constitutional questions about presidential tax power.
Reason.comTrump Criticizes Judge for Blocking $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
President Trump on Tuesday criticized a federal judge for striking down his proclamation that would have imposed a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. Speaking to reporters in New York before boarding Air Force One, Trump stated, 'These federal judges are really giving us a hard time. It is really crazy what’s going on with the court system.' The proclamation aimed to increase costs for H-1B visa applicants, a program used by companies to hire foreign skilled workers. The judge's decision blocks the implementation of this fee, marking another legal setback for the administration's immigration policies. Trump's comments reflect ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over immigration-related executive actions.
Just In NewsFederal Judge Blocks Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A federal judge in Boston vacated President Donald Trump's policy imposing a $100,000 fee on employers' H-1B visa applications for highly-skilled foreign workers. Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that the fee violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution, finding it constituted a tax that Congress had not delegated to the executive branch. The ruling cited the Supreme Court's February decision striking down Trump's reciprocal tariffs. The Trump administration said it would appeal. New York Attorney General Letitia James, representing 20 states that sued to block the fee, praised the decision. Trump criticized the ruling, calling it part of a pattern of judicial setbacks. The H-1B program, capped at 85,000 visas annually, had previously charged fees ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Several companies, including Walmart, had paused participation due to the fee.
US Top News and AnalysisIndian Diaspora Groups Welcome US Court Ruling Striking Down $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A federal judge in Massachusetts struck down the $100,000 fee imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on H-1B visa applications, ruling it unlawful because it lacked congressional approval. Indian diaspora advocacy groups in the U.S., including the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) and Indiaspora, welcomed the decision. FIIDS Chief Khanderao Kand stated the ruling restores predictability and fairness to the employment-based immigration system and preserves U.S. competitiveness in innovation. Indiaspora Executive Director Sanjeev Joshipura expressed cautious optimism, warning the administration might still create procedural hurdles for H-1B holders. The fee was originally introduced via a Trump proclamation in September 2025. The ruling is seen as a significant legal check on executive immigration policy.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Judge Rejects Trump Administration's US$100,000 H-1B Visa Application Fee
A US judge has rejected the Trump administration's proposed US$100,000 H-1B visa application fee, which the administration had defended as a necessary step to reform the H-1B visa programme. The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to hire college-educated foreign workers for specialized occupations. The ruling blocks the significant fee increase, which was intended to reshape the programme. The decision represents a legal setback for the administration's immigration policy efforts. The article, published by The Business Times Singapore on June 9, 2026, highlights ongoing tensions between executive immigration reforms and judicial oversight.
The Business TimesU.S. Judge Rules Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Unlawful
On June 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston struck down a $100,000 fee imposed by President Donald Trump on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, ruling it an unlawful tax that Congress never authorized. The fee, announced in September 2025, dramatically raised the cost of obtaining H-1B visas from the typical $2,000-$5,000 range. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by 20 Democratic state attorneys general. The Trump administration argued the fee was a lawful monetary penalty under immigration law, but Judge Sorokin concluded it was a tax lacking congressional authorization. The fee had discouraged applications, with only 85 payments received by mid-February 2026. The White House did not immediately comment. The H-1B program offers 65,000 visas annually plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Judge Blocks Trump’s $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visas, Benefiting Tech Giants
A federal judge, Leo Sorokin, struck down President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications on June 8, 2026, ruling it an unlawful tax. The decision sided with California and 19 other states that sued to block the fee, which was heavily opposed by the U.S. tech industry, including major companies like Amazon and Apple. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ruling vacates the fee, which had significantly increased the cost of the visa program that tech firms rely on for skilled foreign workers. This is a developing story.
Forbes - BusinessFederal Judge Blocks Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A federal judge at a US District Court in Massachusetts ruled on Monday that President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants is unconstitutional, violating the Administrative Procedure Act. The fee was introduced via an executive order in September and has faced legal challenges since. H-1B visas are commonly used by tech workers. The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the Trump administration's immigration policy. The story is developing, with further updates expected.
All Content from Business InsiderFederal Judge Blocks Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Illegal Tax
A federal judge in Massachusetts, Leo Sorokin, blocked President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, ruling it an illegal tax that the president lacks authority to impose without congressional approval. The 42-page ruling cited the Supreme Court's 2012 decision in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, arguing the fee was a penalty for a lawful act (hiring foreign workers) and thus a tax, not a penalty. The judge ordered the directive vacated entirely. The Trump administration had announced the fee in September 2025, aiming to reduce H-1B applications. The article also notes research showing H-1B visa holders contributed 30-50% of U.S. productivity growth from 1990-2020, and criticizes the policy as economically harmful and motivated by white nationalism.
The New RepublicFederal Judge Overturns Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Illegal Tax
A federal judge in Massachusetts, Leo Sorokin, blocked President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, ruling it an illegal tax that the president cannot impose without congressional approval. The judge cited the Supreme Court's 2012 decision in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, arguing the fee was a tax, not a penalty, because it did not punish unlawful acts. The Trump administration had argued the fee aimed to reduce H-1B applications, not raise revenue, but Sorokin rejected this, noting the fee's effect was revenue generation. The ruling vacated the directive entirely. The article also notes that H-1B visa holders contributed significantly to U.S. productivity growth between 1990 and 2020.
The New RepublicJudge halts Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee
A federal judge in Massachusetts, Leo T. Sorokin, blocked President Donald Trump's executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on companies seeking H-1B visas for foreign workers. The ruling, issued on June 8, 2026, found the fee effectively constituted a tax that exceeded the president's constitutional authority, as Congress had not delegated such taxing power. The judge rejected the administration's argument that the fee was a 'regulatory payment,' noting no legal precedent supported that term. California and other states had sued in December 2025, arguing the fee harmed their ability to hire qualified teachers and healthcare professionals. The H-1B program provides 85,000 visas annually for high-skilled workers. The ruling is part of ongoing legal challenges to Trump's immigration restrictions.
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