U.S. Court Strikes Down Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee, Relief For Indian Professionals

In a major relief for skilled immigrants, a U.S. federal court in Boston has struck down the Trump administration's controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it unlawful. The court ruled that the fee amounted to a tax that lacked congressional approval and could not be enforced by federal agencies. The decision is particularly significant for Indian professionals, who account for the overwhelming majority of H-1B visa holders in the United States. The fee hike, introduced in 2025, was aimed at discouraging companies from hiring foreign workers. While the ruling is being welcomed by the tech industry and immigrant communities, the administration could still challenge the verdict in a higher court.