The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after it introduced a staggering $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications.
In its complaint, the Chamber argues that the new charge violates the Immigration and Nationality Act and oversteps the executive branch’s authority. The group is seeking a court order to block enforcement of the policy.
The lawsuit emphasizes that such a high fee—far above the usual $2,000–$5,000 range—could severely burden many U.S. businesses, especially startups and mid-sized firms that depend on skilled foreign workers. The Chamber contends that this fee is disproportionate and will hinder their ability to attract global talent.
The administration defends the fee as a tool to protect American workers, discourage overuse of the visa program, and prioritize investments in domestic labor. A White House spokesperson described the policy as lawful and necessary.
This legal challenge comes at a pivotal moment, as the H-1B program has long been a backbone for tech and innovation sectors. If the court rules in favor of the Chamber, it could derail the implementation of the fee and reshape how future visa costs are regulated.
