US Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Administration Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal challenge targets a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. This action sets up a major conflict between corporate America and the White House.

The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C. It names the US Department of Homeland Security and the State Department as defendants. The Chamber argues the new fee is unlawful and overrides existing federal immigration law.

Legal Challenge Claims Fee Harms American Businesses

The business group seeks an immediate injunction to block the fee. It claims the charge will make the H-1B program too expensive for many companies. This is especially true for startups and small to midsize businesses.

According to the Chamber, the policy contradicts Congress’s intent. The H-1B program was designed to help US companies access global talent. The new $100,000 fee would effectively shut down this pathway for many firms.

Tech Industry Faces Severe Impact from Visa Changes

Technology companies are expected to be the hardest hit. They are the dominant users of the H-1B visa program. Data from US Citizenship and Immigration Services shows Amazon hired over 10,000 employees through the program.

Microsoft and Meta also heavily rely on these visas. They hired 5,189 and 5,123 workers respectively under the program. The new fee could severely disrupt their hiring pipelines and operational growth.

The Chamber previously considered legal action over tariffs but decided against it. This lawsuit signals a stronger stance on the visa issue. The group attempted a conciliatory tone, praising the administration’s border security efforts while opposing this specific policy.

The outcome of this H-1B visa lawsuit could reshape how American companies compete for global talent. The legal battle highlights a fundamental disagreement over immigration policy for skilled workers.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the H-1B visa program?

The H-1B is a visa for skilled foreign workers. US companies use it to hire talent in specialty occupations. The program has an annual cap of 85,000 visas.

Why is the Chamber of Commerce suing?

The Chamber claims the $100,000 fee is unlawful. It argues the fee overrides Congress’s established immigration laws. The group says it harms American businesses of all sizes.

Which companies use the H-1B program most?

Technology firms are the biggest users. Amazon hired over 10,000 workers through the program. Microsoft and Meta also employ thousands of H-1B visa holders.

How will this affect US businesses?

Startups and smaller companies may find the program unaffordable. It could limit access to specialized global talent. This may hinder innovation and growth for many firms.

Has anyone else challenged this policy?

A global nurse-staffing agency and several unions filed a separate lawsuit. Their challenge also targets the new visa fee structure. The cases may be consolidated later.