A US federal judge has struck down President Donald Trump’s controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling that the measure amounted to an unlawful tax that had not been authorised by Congress.

The decision was delivered by US District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston in a case brought by 20 Democratic state attorneys general who challenged the fee announced by the Trump administration in September. The lawsuit argued that the sharp increase in visa costs would make it harder for employers to recruit highly skilled foreign professionals.

Court says fee exceeded presidential authority

In his ruling, Judge Sorokin rejected the administration’s argument that the fee was a lawful penalty under immigration law. Instead, he concluded that the charge functioned as a tax, which can only be imposed with congressional approval.

The court found that the president did not have the authority to introduce such a levy through executive action. The ruling invalidates the fee and prevents its enforcement.

H-1B programme widely used by employers

The H-1B visa programme is a key pathway used by US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields. The programme issues 65,000 visas annually, along with an additional 20,000 visas for individuals holding advanced degrees. Approved visas are generally valid for three to six years.

Before the fee increase, employers typically paid between $2,000 and $5,000 in visa-related charges, depending on various factors. Trump’s policy raised the cost dramatically, drawing criticism from technology companies and other employers that rely on skilled international talent.

Fee saw limited uptake

Court filings showed that the higher fee significantly reduced demand for new H-1B applications. According to government submissions, US Citizenship and Immigration Services had received only 85 payments of the $100,000 fee by mid-February.

The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling, keeping the legal battle over the policy ongoing.

Barely days after taking charge as Karnataka Chief Minister, D. K. Shivakumar is grappling with mounting dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks over cabinet formation and portfolio allocation.

Several legislators who were left out of the ministry, along with some unhappy over the departments assigned to them, have reportedly approached the party’s central leadership in New Delhi, creating a fresh headache for the new chief minister. The unrest comes at a time when Shivakumar is attempting to stabilize his administration following a major leadership transition in the state.

Cabinet formation sparks discontent

The Congress government in Karnataka was sworn in earlier this month with Shivakumar taking oath as chief minister along with a limited set of ministers. The cabinet still has several vacancies, leaving many legislators hopeful of a future berth.

However, the exclusion of several senior leaders and dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution have triggered lobbying efforts in Delhi. The issue adds to the political challenges facing Shivakumar as he seeks to balance regional, caste and factional interests within the ruling party.

Recent controversies add pressure

The latest developments come after a series of cabinet-related controversies. Senior leader Ramalinga Reddy had earlier expressed unhappiness over portfolio allocation, while Krishna Byre Gowda also raised concerns regarding responsibilities linked to his department. These episodes have highlighted internal tensions within the Congress government.

Shivakumar has also faced criticism over the absence of women in the first phase of cabinet formation, though he has indicated that future expansions could address representation concerns.

Delhi leadership likely to play key role

With multiple aspirants reportedly reaching out to the party high command, the Congress leadership may have to step in to manage competing demands and prevent factional tensions from escalating. The handling of cabinet expansion and portfolio adjustments is expected to be closely watched in the coming weeks.

For Shivakumar, who recently achieved his long-standing ambition of becoming chief minister, managing internal expectations may prove as important as governing the state itself.

The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Monday after party MP Sharmila Sarkar claimed that a dissident faction backed by around 20 MPs was seeking to function separately in Parliament and extend support to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Speaking amid the ongoing turmoil within the party, Sarkar said the rebel group had communicated its position to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and was seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary grouping.

According to Sarkar, dissatisfaction has been growing among several MPs over the party’s functioning and internal decision-making processes. She alleged that many lawmakers felt their concerns were not being adequately addressed within the organisation.

Rebel faction stakes claim

Sarkar claimed that around 20 MPs were associated with the dissident faction and intended to support the NDA in Parliament while functioning separately from the Trinamool Congress.

If the move materialises and receives the necessary recognition, it could have significant implications for the party’s strength in Parliament and pose a major challenge for the TMC leadership.

The claim comes amid a period of internal unrest within the Trinamool Congress, marked by public disagreements involving several leaders and the recent resignation of senior Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy from the party.

Party yet to confirm rebels’ claims

Reports have suggested that rebel leaders have been holding discussions in Delhi as the crisis unfolds. However, the Trinamool Congress leadership has not officially confirmed the dissidents’ claim that around 20 MPs are backing the proposed separate grouping.

As political developments continue to unfold, attention is now focused on whether the rebel faction can formally secure recognition under parliamentary procedures and how the party leadership responds to the challenge.

For now, Sarkar’s remarks have added to speculation about a possible split within the party’s parliamentary ranks at a time when opposition parties are attempting to maintain unity at the national level.