H-1B: 20 States Sue Over $100K Fee — Here’s Why
H-1B: 20 States Sue Over $100K Fee — Here’s Why
Twenty states challenge a Trump administration plan to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, arguing it harms skilled workers and the economy.
A group of twenty states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee and the move's impact on skilled workers. The fee was set in a proclamation issued on September 19, 2025. States named include California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey and Washington, among others.
The plaintiffs argue the unprecedented fee would deter high-skilled immigrants and place a heavy burden on tech firms and universities that rely on the H-1B program. Supporters of the plan say the fee is needed to fund visa processing and safeguard jobs for American workers.
Legal observers say the suit could test the administration's authority to adjust visa costs via proclamations and executive action, rather than through Congress. The case adds to a broader debate about immigration policy and the costs of maintaining the H-1B program in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Industry stakeholders are watching closely for any court rulings, potential injunctions, and what the decision could mean for hiring cycles, payroll planning, and research collaborations across the United States.
Cover image source: Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee draws legal challenge from U.S. states 🔗
