Archive · 27 Jul 2026
US Court Blocks Trump H-1B Visa Fee
A US court recently blocked a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas that the Trump administration had tried to impose.
The court said the fee was actually a tax, and only Congress can create new taxes.
This decision helps many skilled workers from countries like India and the US companies that hire them.
However, some Republican lawmakers want to suspend new H-1B visas for three years and officially allow this fee.
If they pass this law, the fee could come back.
Some people think H-1B visas help companies stay competitive, while others believe they hurt American workers by suppressing wages.
A US federal appeals court blocked a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas imposed by the Trump administration.
The court ruled that the fee was a tax, which only Congress can impose, violating the separation of powers principle.
The decision provides relief to skilled professionals from India and other countries, as well as US companies that rely on global talent.
Republican lawmakers have proposed suspending new H-1B visas for three years and officially authorizing the $100,000 fee.
The H-1B programme has been criticized for alleged misuse, wage suppression, and displacement of American workers.
- Who
- US federal appeals court, Trump administration, Republican lawmakers, American companies, skilled professionals from India and other countries
- What
- Rejection of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- United States
- Why
- The fee was deemed a tax, which only Congress can impose, violating the separation of powers principle.
Pro-H-1B Visa Stance
Anti-H-1B Visa Stance
Economic Competitiveness
Pro-H-1B Visa Stance
H-1B visas allow companies to stay competitive by filling specialized positions with global talent.
Anti-H-1B Visa Stance
H-1B visas suppress wages and displace American workers, prioritizing competitiveness over worker welfare.
- Fee Amount
- $100,000
- Programme
- H-1B
- Proposed Suspension Duration
- 3 years
- Current Majority in Congress
- Republican
- Constitutional Principle
- Separation of powers