In the United States, a federal judge has ruled that the fee of 1 lakh US dollars for H-1B applications imposed by President Donald Trump was unlawful. US District Court judge Leo Sorokin in Boston, Massachusetts, said in a ruling that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by the Congress. US-based Indian diaspora advocacy groups have welcomed the federal court’s decision, contending that it was appropriate for preserving US’ competitive edge in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Chief of Policy and Strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), Khanderao Kand said, the court’s decision restores predictability and fairness to the employment-based immigration system. Executive Director of Indiaspora, Sanjeev Joshipura, said all stakeholders connected with H-1B visas will heave a sigh of relief after the court order.
The H-1B programme is one of the most sought-after US work visas that allows American companies to hire skilled global talent. Trump’s order proposing a USD 100,000 annual fee per H-1B worker left many uncertain about visa reforms and new requirements.
