Trump Sued Over $100k H-1B Visa Fee Amid Chaos
A coalition of health care providers, religious groups, university professors, and others filed a federal lawsuit Friday to stop the new $100,000 fee required for H-1B visa applications, citing chaos among employers, workers, and federal agencies.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, claims the H-1B program is a critical pathway to hiring healthcare workers and educators, driving innovation and economic growth. The plaintiffs argue that the new fee will severely limit their ability to hire foreign-born professionals, ultimately harming American businesses and the economy.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 19 requiring the new fee, stating that the H-1B visa program has been deliberately exploited to replace American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labor. The changes were set to take effect in 36 hours, prompting panic among employers who instructed their foreign-born employees to return to the U.S. immediately.
"This is a catastrophic policy that will have far-reaching consequences for our nation's economy and competitiveness," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a plaintiff and professor of medicine at Stanford University. "We urge the court to block this ill-conceived plan before it causes irreparable harm."
The lawsuit claims that the new fee is arbitrary and exceeds the statutory limit set by Congress. It also argues that the Trump administration failed to provide adequate notice or opportunity for public comment on the policy change.
The H-1B visa program has been a contentious issue in recent years, with critics arguing that it allows companies to exploit foreign-born workers at the expense of American employees. However, supporters argue that the program is essential for filling labor gaps and driving innovation in key industries such as technology and healthcare.
"This lawsuit highlights the chaos and uncertainty caused by the Trump administration's hasty policy change," said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), a longtime advocate for immigration reform. "We need to work together to create a fair and effective immigration system that benefits American businesses and workers."
The court has yet to rule on the lawsuit, but its outcome is expected to have significant implications for the H-1B visa program and the nation's economy.
Background:
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign-born professionals for temporary work visas. The program has been a subject of controversy in recent years, with some critics arguing that it allows companies to exploit foreign-born workers at the expense of American employees.
Additional Perspectives:
Supporters of the Trump administration's policy argue that the new fee is necessary to prevent abuse of the H-1B visa program and protect American workers. "We need to ensure that our immigration system serves the interests of American citizens, not just multinational corporations," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies.
Current Status:
The lawsuit is ongoing, with a court hearing scheduled for next week. The outcome will determine whether the new fee will take effect or be blocked by the courts.
*Reporting by Fortune.*
