A federal judge in Boston has blocked the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, ruling it as an unconstitutional tax because it lacked congressional approval. This decision was reported by Fox News correspondent David Spunt on ‘Special Report.’
In a separate development, the State Department plans to offer a ‘premium’ expedited service for foreign business and tourist visa applicants. For a $750 fee, applicants can secure interview appointments within 10 days at selected U.S. embassies and consulates. This expedited service is a pilot program due to be unveiled, allowing applicants to pay the $750 in addition to the standard $185 visa application fee. The details appear in a notice scheduled for publication in the Federal Register this week, according to The Associated Press.
The pilot program is set to run from July 1 to December 31, with potential extensions based on demand. The participating embassies and consulates will be announced soon, with the aim of reducing visa interview wait times.
The Trump administration has introduced numerous visa screening and compliance requirements, like requesting bonds up to $15,000 from countries with high overstay rates and demanding detailed personal history disclosures, including social media accounts. These measures have caused delays in visa processing.
Importantly, the expedited service fee won’t ensure visa issuance, but it promises to shorten interview wait times, particularly in countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, where waits may extend to several months.