A federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s dramatic hike to a $100,000 fee on new H‑1B visa applications, a ruling that could constrain the hiring pipeline for U.S. universities and research hospitals that rely on international talent. Judge Beryl Howell found the president’s proclamation fell within statutory authority, dealing a legal setback to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and industry groups that sued to block the policy. Multiple additional lawsuits remain pending, including challenges by states and healthcare staffing groups. Universities and researchers warned that the fee will make hires cost prohibitive, affecting doctoral researchers, tenure‑track recruitment and clinical staffing. The decision accelerates debate over immigration policy as a tool to reshuffle labor markets for higher education and research; institutions may need to adjust recruiting strategies or seek alternative visa pathways.