1 month ago
US Court Permanently Blocks Trump's $100K H-1B Visa Fee
A federal court has permanently blocked a $100,000 fee that was introduced by President Trump for the H-1B visa program.
This program allows companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields.
The fee was meant to stop companies from replacing American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
However, immigration advocates saw it as a way to make it harder for people to come to the U.S. legally.
The court decided the fee was not lawful, and so far, very few companies have paid it.
The fee did not apply to foreign nationals already in the U.S. on student visas.
A federal court has permanently blocked a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas introduced by President Trump.
The fee aimed to prevent the exploitation of the H-1B program to replace American workers.
The fee did not apply to foreign nationals already in the U.S. on student visas.
Few employers have paid the fee since it took effect.
Immigration advocates viewed the fee as an attempt to restrict legal immigration.
- Who
- Donald Trump, Federal Court
- What
- Blocking of a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas
- Where
- United States
- When
- The fee was deemed unlawful by the federal court on July 24, 2026
- Why
- The fee was considered an attempt to restrict legal immigration and burden employers, while the administration aimed to prevent exploitation of the H-1B program.
Immigration Advocates
Trump Administration
Purpose of the Fee
Immigration Advocates
The fee is seen as an attempt to restrict legal immigration and burden employers.
Trump Administration
The fee aims to prevent exploitation of the H-1B program to replace American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labor.
Key facts
- Fee Amount
- $100,000
- Program Affected
- H-1B Visa Program
- Fee Applicability
- Not applicable to foreign nationals on student visas
- Fee Payment Status
- Few employers have paid the fee since its implementation
- Court Decision Date
- July 24, 2026
- Original Fee Range
- $2,000 to $5,000
- Annual H-1B Visas Issued
- 65,000 (plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders)
Quotes
Boston First Circuit Court of Appeals
Three‑judge appellate panel
“"The H-1B program was created to address workforce shortages for specialized, difficult-to-fill positions – not to displace qualified, hardworking Americans with cheaper, foreign labor. We shouldn’t be issuing work permits that make it easier to undercut American workers when we have the talent right here at home."”
financialexpress.com
“"My legislation, the End H-1B Abuse Act, restores the program to its original intent and puts American workers first by closing loopholes that incentivise abuse, strengthening guardrails and prioritizing our national security interests."”
financialexpress.com
Sources
Five Trump administration’s immigration proposals still facing legal challenges
Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee stays blocked after appeals court ruling. All you need to know
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H-1B Visa Fee Row: US Appeals Court Blocks Trump Administration's $100,000 Charge
US court refuses to revive Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee for skilled foreign workers
US court rejects Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee: What it means for Indians
US Court Rejects Trump's Bid to Revive $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
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