Boston Federal Judge Halts Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee

A federal judge in Boston has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applicants. The judge ruled that the fee was an unconstitutional tax since it lacked congressional approval. This decision was reported by Fox News correspondent David Spunt on ‘Special Report.’

In other visa-related developments, the State Department plans to introduce a “premium” expedited service. This service will enable foreign business and tourist visa applicants to schedule interview appointments within 10 days at certain U.S. embassies and consulates for an additional fee of $750. This was outlined in a notice that will be published in the Federal Register, as reported by The Associated Press.

The pilot program, running from July 1 to December 31, could be extended depending on demand. Participants will pay this $750 fee on top of the standard $185 visa application fee. Details about embassies and consulates involved in this program are expected to be released before July 1.

This new expedited service might reduce wait times for visa interviews in the face of broader changes under the Trump administration, which tightened visa screening and compliance.

The federal government has introduced various measures such as bonds up to $15,000 for visa processing in certain countries and the requirement to disclose years of personal history, including social media information.

These new rules have added to delays in the visa application process worldwide. It’s important to note that paying the expedited service fee does not guarantee visa approval. However, it may help reduce the wait for interview appointments for individuals from non-Visa Waiver Program countries, where waits can last several months.