SCOTUS Ruling Reshapes H-1B Visa Landscape

A recent judgment by the Supreme Court has dramatically altered the landscape of the H-1B visa. The Patel v. Garland judgment gave indications that courts are now going to scrutinize decisions taken by federal agencies, particularly those touching upon immigration, much more strictly. So far, the Chevron doctrine gave ample scope to federal agencies to interpret any ambiguous statute, including those governing the rules for H-1B visas. This often was deference that worked to the advantage of the agencies but a barrier to individuals and companies seeking a more favorable interpretation of the laws. Now, with Chevron effectively limited, this means that the courts won't automatically side with agency interpretations, potentially opening up new avenues for more favorable rulings for visa applicants and their employers. This will increase court challenges against the agency and can result in further bouts of intensive review by the courts of the agency's decisions pertaining to the denial of H-1B visas and other immigration matters. End to Chevron Doctrine Boosts Immigration Proponents