Employers received encouraging news from two recent federal court decisions affecting immigration policy, although both rulings remain subject to appeal and potential stays that could delay or alter their practical impact.

First, on June 5, 2026, a federal district court vacated USCIS policies that had effectively paused adjudication of immigration benefit applications filed by nationals of 39 designated countries. The court concluded that USCIS lacked authority to implement the broad adjudication freezes and set aside the challenged policies. If the decision remains in effect, affected individuals may see movement on long-pending applications for employment authorization, adjustment of status, naturalization, and certain asylum-related benefits.

In a separate decision issued on June 8, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts struck down the Administration’s $100,000 H-1B filing fee, finding that the fee amounted to a tax that could not be imposed without congressional authorization. The ruling blocks enforcement of the fee and, if upheld, would remove a significant financial barrier for employers seeking to sponsor H-1B workers.

While both decisions represent meaningful legal setbacks for recent immigration restrictions, employers should understand that they are subject to appeal and review by higher courts.  The government is expected to consider appellate options in both cases and may seek stays (a court order to pause the effect of the decisions) while review continues. As a result, implementation timelines and the ultimate outcomes for both policies remain uncertain.

We will continue to monitor these cases and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.