Judge blocks $100k fee for H-1B visas imposed by Trump |
Judge blocks $100k fee for H-1B visas imposed by Trump
A federal judge on Monday blocked a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications imposed by the Trump administration.
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin agreed with a group of Democratic-led states that the administration exceeded its authority, and the fee usurped Congress’s power to set immigration policy and taxes.
“Here, the substance and application of the $100,000 payment reveal that it is a tax, regardless of what the payment is called,” wrote Sorokin, an appointee of former President Obama.
H-1B visas allow employers to hire international talent for specialty jobs, particularly in the tech industry. Recipients are lawfully typically admitted to the U.S. for three years, but they are not lawful permanent residents.
Last September, Trump signed a proclamation adding a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. The fees are generally paid for by the sponsoring employer, and........