The proposed H-1B visa fee would have significantly increased costs for employers and applicants. The court ruling is expected to benefit Indian professionals, who account for nearly 70% of approved H-1B work visas.

A United States federal court has struck down former President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, delivering a significant legal setback to the administration’s immigration agenda and offering relief to thousands of Indian professionals seeking employment opportunities in the country.

In a ruling issued on Monday, US District Judge Leo Sorokin held that the President did not possess the legal authority to introduce such a fee without approval from Congress. The decision effectively blocks a measure that would have dramatically increased the cost of hiring foreign skilled workers under the H-1B visa programme.

Court Questions Presidential Authority

In his 42-page judgment, Judge Sorokin concluded that the proposed fee amounted to a tax rather than a routine administrative charge. Under the US Constitution, the power to levy taxes rests with Congress unless lawmakers specifically delegate such authority.

The court found no provision in existing immigration laws that would allow the executive branch to unilaterally impose a fee of this magnitude on H-1B petitions.

“The President had no power or delegated authority to impose a tax on H-1B petitions,” the judge stated while rejecting the administration’s interpretation of federal immigration statutes.

The ruling reinforces the limits of presidential authority in matters involving taxation and immigration policy, areas where congressional approval remains central.

Legal Challenge by States

The lawsuit was filed in December by a coalition of Democratic attorneys general led by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The states argued that the administration had exceeded its powers by creating a substantial financial burden on employers and foreign workers without legislative backing.

According to court filings, the states contended that immigration policy changes of such scale require congressional action rather than executive orders or administrative directives.

Judge Sorokin largely agreed with that position, dismissing arguments that existing immigration laws granted broad enough powers to support the fee proposal.

Trump Criticises Court Decision

Reacting to the ruling, Trump criticised federal judges and accused the judiciary of obstructing his policy agenda.

“These federal judges are really giving us a hard time. It's really crazy what's going on with the court system. They're hurting our country very badly,” he said.

The administration had defended the proposal as part of broader efforts to reduce what it described as excessive dependence on foreign labour and to prioritise American workers.

Impact on Indian Professionals

The decision is particularly significant for Indian nationals, who remain the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa system.

Data from Pew Research shows that approximately 73% of approved H-1B applications in fiscal year 2023 were granted to workers born in India. Indian professionals have consistently received the majority of H-1B approvals for more than a decade, particularly in technology, engineering, finance and healthcare sectors.

Industry observers noted that the proposed $100,000 fee could have discouraged employers from sponsoring foreign workers and potentially reduced opportunities for skilled professionals seeking jobs in the United States.

The ruling removes that uncertainty, at least for now, and preserves the existing framework under which employers can continue filing H-1B petitions.

Why H-1B Matters

The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised occupations that generally require a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.

The visa is typically granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for another three years. Major technology companies, healthcare providers and engineering firms rely heavily on the programme to fill specialised positions.

Economists and business groups have long argued that access to global talent helps companies remain competitive and supports innovation across industries.

What Happens Next

While the ruling blocks the proposed fee, it does not end the broader debate surrounding the H-1B programme. Immigration policy remains a politically contentious issue in the United States, and future administrations could pursue legislative changes through Congress.

For now, however, the court’s decision ensures that employers and skilled foreign workers, particularly Indian professionals, will not face the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The judgment also serves as a reminder that major changes involving immigration-related taxation require clear congressional authorisation before they can take effect.

Professional Energy Shifts Today

Vedic astrologers report significant career-related planetary activity today. The combined influence of Venus in Taurus and Moon in Cancer creates unique opportunities for job changes, promotions, and salary negotiations for Indian professionals.

Morning hours favour interviews and presentations. Afternoon brings bureaucratic delays. Evening offers resolution for pending employment matters. Each zodiac sign receives different career guidance based on planetary positions.

Who Gets Promotions Today

Astrologers identify Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus natives as prime candidates for promotion news. Senior management notices consistent hard work from these signs. The promotion may come without application. Someone recommends your name during closed-door meetings.

Libra and Pisces natives receive lateral movement offers. The role may not pay more but offers better work-life balance. Accept these offers. They lead to bigger opportunities within six months.

Job Change Auspicious Timings

Best time to resign from current position: 9 AM to 10:30 AM IST. Worst time: 2 PM to 4 PM IST when Saturn-Mars aspect peaks. Interview scheduling should target 11 AM to 12 PM IST. Second interview calls arrive between 5 PM to 6 PM IST.

Those applying through job portals should update profiles before 8 AM IST. Recruiters check applications in early morning hours today. Include keywords from job descriptions. Technology sector sees maximum hiring activity.

Salary Negotiation Strategies

Venus in Taurus supports financial discussions. Ask for specific numbers rather than ranges. Employers respect direct communication today. Entry-level candidates should request 15% above offered salary. Senior professionals can negotiate 25% higher.

Those facing salary cuts should propose performance-based bonuses instead. Companies respond better to incentive structures than fixed increases. Have data ready about industry standards. Knowledge strengthens your position.

Entrepreneurship and Business Astrology

Business owners receive partnership offers today. Evaluate all terms carefully. Mercury position suggests hidden clauses in contracts. Use lawyer review before signing. New business registration filed today faces fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

Startups seeking funding should pitch between 3 PM to 5 PM IST. Investors feel generous during this window. Avoid pitching before noon when investors scrutinise too much. Product launches scheduled today succeed with marketing support.

Workplace Relationships and Politics

Colleagues show true colours today. Saturn-Mars aspect reveals hidden rivalries. Someone who pretended to support you actually competes behind your back. Do not confront directly. Document everything. Let their behaviour speak for itself.

Team projects face communication breakdowns. Assign clear responsibilities in writing. Follow up emails prevent blame games later. Managers appreciate employees who create paper trails. Protect yourself professionally.Freelancer and Gig Economy Predictions

Freelancers receive three or more client inquiries today. However, two clients will haggle on price. One client pays premium rates. Identify premium client early and focus energy there. Upwork and Fiverr profiles get more views than usual.

Gig workers in delivery and ride-hailing sectors earn above average today. Peak earning hours: 12 PM to 2 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM. Vehicle maintenance should happen tomorrow. Today maximises earning potential.

Government Job Aspirants

Those waiting for government exam results receive positive news. Interview calls for public sector units arrive for Taurus, Leo, and Sagittarius natives. Preparation should focus on current affairs from past three months.

Railway and banking sector recruitment notices may release today. Check official websites every hour from 10 AM onwards. Application submission lucky time: 1 PM to 2 PM IST. Avoid submitting in last hour to prevent technical glitches.

Remote Work and Hybrid Schedules

Companies announce new work-from-home policies today for Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio natives. Those wanting remote arrangements should submit requests in writing by 11 AM. Approval comes within 24 hours.

Hybrid schedule negotiations succeed when you offer specific days. Propose Tuesday-Thursday in office. Monday and Friday remote. This pattern matches planetary support. Employers accept structured proposals more than flexible requests.

Warning Signs at Workplace

Three red flags indicate need to change jobs immediately. Boss avoids eye contact during conversations. Payroll delays beyond three days. Your ideas get credited to others repeatedly. If two of three signs present, update resume tonight.

Astrologers warn against confronting toxic bosses during this transit. The Saturn-Mars aspect makes authority figures defensive. Instead, quietly prepare exit strategy. New opportunities manifest within six weeks for those who leave strategically.

Long-Term Career Outlook

May 18 plants seeds for November 2026 career growth. Decisions made today about jobs, salaries, or business partnerships will show results during Diwali season. Choose wisely. Short-term comfort trades off against long-term growth.

Those who change jobs today receive signing bonuses. Those who stay receive appreciation but delayed raises. The stars favour movement over stagnation. Trust your professional instincts completely.

WFH This Summer? 3 Natural Health Hacks Every Desk Worker Needs

Remote work continues in 2026, but summer heat is making it harder to focus. Try these simple fixes without buying expensive ergonomic chairs.

Work from home has become permanent for millions of Indians. But summer brings new challenges. Sticky skin, low energy, and back pain are common complaints. Expensive office furniture is not always the answer. Natural health hacks can solve these problems at zero cost. Here is what you need to know.

The 20-20-20 Rule for Eyes

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This natural health hack prevents digital eye strain, which worsens in summer due to dry air. Set a timer on your phone. Your eyes will feel less tired by evening. No eye drops required.

Sit on the Floor for 30 Minutes

Replace your chair with a folded blanket on the floor for half an hour daily. Sitting on the floor activates your core muscles and improves hip flexibility. It also naturally straightens your spine. Many Indian professionals in Bengaluru have adopted this as their go-to natural health hack for back pain.

Cool Your Wrists While Typing

Keep a small bowl of cool water on your desk. Dip your wrists for 10 seconds every hour. This cools the blood flowing to your hands and brain. You will notice better typing speed and clearer thinking immediately. This trick comes from traditional Indian calligraphy practices.

Why Summer WFH Needs Different Rules

Summer heat increases fatigue and reduces concentration. Your body works harder just to stay cool. Natural health hacks that reduce internal heat and improve circulation are more effective than coffee or energy drinks. According to trending news India, productivity drops by 25 percent in non-air-conditioned home offices during summer.

Apply these hacks starting Monday. You will work better and feel calmer.