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