US judge rules Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee illegal

A federal judge in the United States has declared illegal a $100,000 fee imposed by former President Donald Trump on employers seeking H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. The judge ruled on Monday that the Republican president's administration overstepped its authority, asserting that taxing powers belong to Congress.

This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by 20 states led by Democrats. It contrasts with a separate ruling in December by another federal judge who had upheld the $100,000 fee. That earlier decision is currently under appeal, having been brought forth by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Association of American Universities.

Trump announced the H-1B visa policy change in September, stating it aimed to prevent employers from replacing American workers with foreigners willing to accept lower wages. The fee is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by the Republican president. The U.S. issues 85,000 H-1B visas annually through a lottery system, with India accounting for about three-quarters of recipients. Previously, H-1B visa fees were up to $5,000.