A US court has taken a significant step to protect workers and companies by rejecting the government’s attempt to charge 100,000 dollars for each new H-1B visa. This decision, made by three judges in Boston on July 24, means that, for now, this high payment remains suspended.
What Was Happening With These Visas?
Since last September, the government has wanted employers to pay 100,000 dollars for each professional worker they bring into the country. Before this change, companies paid between 2,000 and 5,000 dollars in processing fees.
The government stated that this increase was necessary to prevent the replacement of American workers with individuals from other countries who would work for less. However, the fee did not apply to foreign students already inside the United States.
Why Did the Judges Say No?
Several states complained, arguing that this fee was actually an “illegal tax.” The judges explained that the president cannot invent a new tax on his own, as that decision belongs solely to Congress.
Furthermore, a warning was issued that charging so much money would cause significant harm to important institutions, such as:
- Public schools and universities.
- Hospitals and clinics, which need doctors and specialists.
What Happens Now?
For now, employers do not have to pay this fortune to apply for these visas. Although the government can continue fighting the case in other courts, the judges decided that there is not enough evidence to allow the fee to begin operating yet.
This news provides a relief to many offices and hospitals that depend on these work permits to continue providing services to the community.
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