Trump administration appeals judge's H-1B visa fee ruling

US District Judge Leo T. Sorokin ruled that the fee, introduced by presidential proclamation in September as part of an effort to curb immigration and promote the hiring of American workers, constituted an illegal tax. The judge concluded that the administration had overstepped its authority by imposing such a fee through a presidential action, stating it required congressional approval.

The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles and is frequently used by technology and healthcare companies. The fee increase faced opposition from states, business groups, and employers who argued it would hinder recruitment of skilled workers and exacerbate labor shortages.

The Massachusetts case is one of several legal challenges against the policy. The US Chamber of Commerce and a nurse recruitment firm have also filed lawsuits. In a related development, a judge previously declined the Chamber of Commerce's request to block the fee, a decision that the business group has appealed.