A federal judge in Boston on Monday invalidated the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee hike on H-1B visas, directly conflicting with an earlier federal court ruling that upheld the policy. The fee increase, introduced to prioritize American workers, was struck down by U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin, who ruled that the administration overstepped its authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act.

"The Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress," Sorokin wrote.

The H-1B visa program, primarily used by tech companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has faced scrutiny for its impact on domestic labor markets. Nearly 75% of H-1B visas are granted to Indian nationals, fueling debates over its role in displacing American workers. The Boston lawsuit, brought by 20 states, argued that the fee hike would hinder their ability to fill critical roles in education, healthcare, and research.

While Sorokin’s ruling nullified the fee increase, an earlier decision by a federal court in Washington, D.C., upheld it, leaving the policy in effect until its scheduled expiration in September 2026. A separate lawsuit filed in San Francisco further complicates the legal landscape, potentially setting the stage for a Supreme Court battle.

The Department of Homeland Security criticized the Boston ruling, calling it "blatant judicial activism" and defending the administration’s efforts to reform immigration policy. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers expressed confidence that the decision would be overturned on appeal.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell hailed the ruling, stating it would protect vital industries from labor shortages. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of international medical graduates in underserved areas.

The conflicting rulings underscore the ongoing debate over immigration policy’s impact on American workers and industries, with the final outcome likely to shape the future of skilled labor immigration in the United States.