US Court Upholds Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee, Major Blow to Indian Professionals

WASHINGTON: A federal court has backed former President Donald Trump’s decision to drastically increase H-1B visa fees, allowing the application cost to soar to $100,000. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, states that Trump acted within his legal authority, marking a significant setback for foreign workers, particularly Indians, who form a major part of the H-1B workforce. Several related cases are still pending in courts.

Judge Howell emphasized that Congress granted the President broad powers to address economic and national security concerns as part of his immigration policy. “As long as such actions remain within the bounds of law, courts cannot question the President’s policy judgment,” she stated.

US Chamber of Commerce Challenges Fee Hike
The US Chamber of Commerce had filed a lawsuit seeking to block the fee increase, arguing that the higher cost would make H-1B visas unaffordable, especially for small businesses. Judge Howell rejected these claims, confirming that the fee hike was within Trump’s authority and not an abuse of power.

Daryl Josepher, Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel of the Chamber, expressed disappointment over the ruling, noting, “H-1B visas are crucial for American companies. We are considering further legal options and may appeal to a higher court to halt this fee increase.”

Impact on Indian Professionals
The court’s decision allows the Trump administration to implement the fee hike despite legal challenges. This move is expected to significantly impact IT companies and industries reliant on foreign talent, with Indian professionals likely to face the brunt of the change. Historically, Indians have been the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program.

Lottery System Replaced
The H-1B visa program enables employers in technology, engineering, and healthcare sectors to hire foreign professionals. Traditionally, 65,000 visas were issued annually, with application fees ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Under the new regulations, the lottery system has been replaced by a weighted selection model, prioritizing highly skilled candidates with higher salaries.

This shift marks a major overhaul in the H-1B program, potentially reshaping the landscape for foreign professionals seeking work in the United States.

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