U.S. Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Administration Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A high-stakes legal confrontation has begun between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Trump administration over a newly proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The Chamber filed a lawsuit on Friday against the Departments of Homeland Security and State, arguing that the steep fee violates federal law and poses a major threat to the competitiveness of American businesses.
According to the Associated Press, the Chamber contends that the administration’s move would make it nearly impossible for many employers to hire skilled foreign professionals. The lawsuit describes the measure as “economically harmful and legally indefensible,” warning that it would disproportionately impact startups and small businesses that depend on international talent to grow and innovate.
Neil Bradley, the Chamber’s chief policy officer, said the organization supports lawful reform but sees this proposal as excessive. He noted that the H-1B program was created by Congress to help U.S. companies access specialized skills in fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare. “This new fee directly contradicts that purpose,” Bradley said, emphasizing that such changes should come through legislation, not executive action.
At the center of the legal challenge is the question of presidential authority. The Chamber argues that the President lacks the constitutional power to unilaterally impose new fees without congressional approval. The lawsuit asserts that setting such charges falls under legislative jurisdiction, not executive discretion.
The White House, however, maintains that the new fee is both lawful and necessary. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Newsweek that the measure represents “a critical step toward restoring fairness and integrity in the H-1B program,” framing it as part of a broader effort to prioritize American workers.
Despite their disagreement over the visa policy, the Chamber of Commerce acknowledged areas of cooperation with the administration, including efforts to strengthen border security and modernize parts of the immigration system.
The outcome of this case could carry major consequences for the future of skilled immigration and the hiring practices of U.S. companies. If upheld, the $100,000 fee would represent a dramatic shift in the cost of accessing global talent, potentially reshaping how American industries compete in the international marketplace.
