Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee challenged in new lawsuit

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration set a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
• A coalition of unions and other organizations is challenging it in court.
• The lawsuit calls the fee “extortionate” and “draconian.”
• It was filed on a Friday (no further date details provided).
• Source: Insider, published on October 4, 2025.

The Fee in Question

The Trump administration recently introduced a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, sparking immediate controversy among employers and labor advocates. This fee, according to the administration, aims to regulate and manage the number of skilled foreign workers entering the United States. However, its substantial cost has raised alarms from various quarters.

Coalition’s Reaction

A coalition comprised of unions and other groups has promptly filed a lawsuit challenging the new fee. In legal documents, they describe the charge as “extortionate” and “draconian,” arguing that it will create significant barriers for workers and organizations requiring specialized talent. The lawsuit was formally submitted on a Friday, although no further scheduling details are publicly available.

Possible Impacts

Critics fear that setting the cost at $100,000 per visa might deter businesses, including smaller companies, from applying for the H-1B program altogether. They argue that innovation and competitiveness could suffer, both for U.S. companies that rely on highly skilled international professionals and for those professionals seeking viable career opportunities.

The Legal Challenge

The lawsuit, now on record, contends that the Trump administration overstepped by imposing such a hefty fee. According to the coalition behind the complaint, the fee jeopardizes equitable access to visas and unfairly burdens employers. While the outcome remains uncertain, the coalition’s stand underscores the broader debate over immigration policy and workers’ rights.