A federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee for new H‑1B visa applications, ruling the proclamation falls within presidential authority. The decision is a setback for employers—technology firms, universities, health systems—that use H‑1B hires for specialized research and teaching roles. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said it will appeal, and other legal challenges from states and industry groups remain pending. Higher‑education institutions that rely on international faculty and research staff face immediate budgetary and hiring uncertainty; universities may see higher costs for sponsored researchers and delays in filling critical lab and clinical positions. Pending appeals and parallel lawsuits mean injunctions or modifications remain possible, but academic HR and research offices should begin contingency planning for recruitment and visa strategy.