US federal judge Leo Sorokin has ruled the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, introduced last year by the Trump administration, unlawful and canceled it.
The court assessed that the fee was more like a tax than a charge. It emphasized that according to the Constitution, the authority to impose taxes lies with Congress, not the presidency.
The ruling directly affects current H-1B visa holders and highly skilled workers planning to apply. It was reported that the fee is now invalid at this stage.
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision, which means the regulation's future will be reconsidered at a higher judicial level.
The H-1B program is seen as a crucial gateway for qualified foreign workers seeking employment in the US. Therefore, the court's decision on the fee regulation is being closely followed by the business community and applicants.