A coalition of unions, businesses, and religious groups has taken the Trump administration to court over a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco, argues that the president exceeded his authority by imposing such a steep charge on employers hiring skilled foreign workers.
Plaintiffs—including the United Auto Workers, professors’ associations, and healthcare recruiters—say the order undermines the law governing the H-1B program and could stifle innovation by pricing out companies. Currently, employers usually pay $2,000–$5,000 in fees, but Trump’s directive adds a massive cost for new applicants.
The White House defends the move as a way to protect American jobs and wages, while critics warn it will hurt businesses that rely on specialized talent, especially in tech and healthcare.