POLITICS

States File Suit To Block $100,000 H-1B Fee

PUBLISHED Dec 12, 2025, 1:51 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

States File Suit To Block $100,000 H-1B Fee

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 27%

Center 73%

Sources: 11

Boston, US. California and 19 states filed suit on Friday to block President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, alleging the fee exceeds statutory authority and bypasses required rulemaking. Plaintiffs argue federal law limits visa fees to cost recovery and that DHS implemented the charge without congressional authorization. The fee, announced in September, would raise employer costs from about $2,000-$5,000 to $100,000 and could affect hiring in technology, healthcare and education. Courts will resolve legality and enforcement while employers and public providers assess near-term operational impacts. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Sept 19, 2025 — Administration issues proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions.
Mid-Sept–Nov 2025 — Industry groups, unions and public-sector stakeholders publicly oppose the fee.
Dec 12–13, 2025 — California AG Rob Bonta and coalitions of state attorneys general file federal lawsuits.
Dec 13–20, 2025 — Additional lawsuits by business groups, unions and religious organizations are reported.
Ongoing — Federal courts will consider claims that the fee exceeded authority and bypassed APA procedures.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 3
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

If enforced, the administration would gain greater control over H-1B admissions and increased fee revenue, while political supporters advocating tighter visa rules could claim policy success.

Who Impacted

Employers, public institutions and sectors relying on H-1B workers — notably technology, healthcare and education — would face higher costs, hiring disruptions and potential staff shortages.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 3
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 27%, Center 73%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

If enforced, the administration would gain greater control over H-1B admissions and increased fee revenue, while political supporters advocating tighter visa rules could claim policy success.

Who Impacted

Employers, public institutions and sectors relying on H-1B workers — notably technology, healthcare and education — would face higher costs, hiring disruptions and potential staff shortages.