US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump over $100,000 H-1B visa fee

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the $100,000 H-1B visa application fee, calling it “unlawful.” The Chamber argues that the fee would harm American businesses by forcing them to raise labor costs or hire fewer skilled workers who cannot easily be replaced domestically. It claims that Trump’s proclamation on September 19 is unlawful and benefits America’s economic rivals.

Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce, stated that the fee would make it difficult for US employers to access global talent, which the economy needs. This is the second major legal challenge to the new H-1B rules, following a lawsuit filed on October 3 by unions, educators, and advocacy groups. They argue the fee is unjustified and detrimental to the American economy.

While Trump’s administration defended the fee as a way to encourage hiring American workers, it led to confusion about its impact on current H-1B holders. The White House clarified that the $100,000 fee only applies to new visas, not renewals. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security proposed changes to the H-1B visa process, including eliminating the lottery system and introducing a weighted selection process to favor higher-skilled workers.