US President Donald Trump has criticised the judiciary after a federal court struck down his administration’s controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, describing judicial interventions as harmful to the country.

The ruling, issued by US District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston, declared that the fee functioned as a tax rather than a regulatory charge and therefore could not be imposed without congressional approval. The decision represents a significant setback for the administration’s efforts to reshape legal immigration policies and tighten restrictions on employment-based visas.

Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed frustration with federal judges, arguing that court decisions were obstructing his administration’s policy agenda. The White House has announced plans to appeal the ruling and remains confident that the policy can ultimately be reinstated.

Bipartisan Concerns Over Impact on Essential Services

The court’s decision has received support from lawmakers across party lines. Critics of the fee argued that the dramatic increase would have made it significantly more difficult for employers to recruit highly skilled foreign workers.

Several state governments, educational institutions and healthcare providers warned that the policy could deepen shortages of teachers, doctors, nurses and researchers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. These concerns formed a key part of the legal challenge brought by a coalition of 20 states.

Supporters of the ruling contend that the H-1B programme plays an important role in filling specialised positions that employers often struggle to staff domestically. They argue that sharply increasing visa costs would have disrupted critical public services and hindered economic growth.

Significance for Indian Professionals

The case has attracted particular attention in India, which remains the largest source of H-1B visa recipients. Indian professionals account for a substantial share of workers employed through the programme, especially in technology, engineering, healthcare and research sectors.

The H-1B programme currently remains one of the primary pathways for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the United States. Technology companies, universities and hospitals have long relied on the visa category to address talent shortages.

Legal Battle Far From Over

While the ruling blocks enforcement of the fee for now, the broader debate over employment-based immigration is expected to continue. The Trump administration has maintained that reforms are necessary to prevent abuse of the H-1B system and prioritise American workers.

With an appeal likely, the dispute is poised to become another major legal and political battle over immigration policy, executive authority and the future of skilled-worker programmes in the United States.

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