US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
In a major legal confrontation, the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump by filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over its controversial decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications. The lawsuit argues that the rule is unlawful, exceeds executive authority, and would severely damage US businesses that depend on global talent.
This legal action highlights the ongoing tensions between the US Chamber of Commerce and the Trump administration regarding immigration policies.
In addition, the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump to protect the interests of American businesses.
The case, filed in Washington D.C., names the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the State Department, and their respective secretaries as defendants. The Chamber has asked the court to block enforcement of the new rule and to declare the policy invalid, arguing that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority.
Business Groups Call the Rule “Illegal and Harmful”
According to the lawsuit, the Trump administration decision violates existing immigration laws that govern the H-1B program. By law, visa fees must be tied to the actual cost of processing applications, not arbitrary penalties.
“The President has significant authority over the entry of non-citizens into the United States, but that authority is bounded by statute and cannot directly contradict laws passed by Congress,” the complaint stated.
The US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump to highlight the need for fair immigration policies that benefit the economy.
Prior to Trump order, filing an H-1B visa typically cost employers under $3,600, depending on company size and filing type. The new rule — nearly 28 times higher than the current cost — would, according to the Chamber, “inflict significant harm on American businesses” that rely on skilled foreign workers to fill critical roles.
Thus, the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump to emphasize the potential economic impacts of the new rule.
H-1B Visa: Lifeline of the Tech Industry
This is why the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump for the benefit of both businesses and employees.
The H-1B visa program allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields like engineering, IT, finance, and medicine when qualified American workers are not available.
Roughly three-quarters of H-1B recipients are from India, and the program has become a key pathway for Indian tech professionals to work in the US.
In 2024, Amazon led the list of H-1B visa recipients with over 10,000 approvals, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Microsoft, Apple, and Google. States such as California, Texas, and Washington host the majority of H-1B visa holders.
However, the Trump administration has long argued that the visa system has been exploited by companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign talent. The White House said the new fee was designed to “protect American jobs” by discouraging excessive use of H-1B visas by large firms.
Critics Warn of Economic Fallout
Business leaders and industry experts have slammed the move, calling it “devastating for US innovation.”
The Chamber lawsuit warns that the $100,000 annual fee would “dramatically increase labor costs” and could force employers to hire fewer highly skilled workers, thereby slowing economic growth and innovation.
“This policy would make it impossible for startups, universities, and research institutions to access the talent they need,” said a Chamber spokesperson. “It’s an unlawful overreach that hurts both American companies and global competitiveness.”
The new rule is set to take effect this year and is scheduled to expire after 12 months, though it could be extended if the government deems it necessary for protecting domestic interests.
The US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump to ensure that companies can continue to thrive in a competitive market.
A Long Battle Over Immigration and Jobs
This lawsuit is the latest flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration and labor policy in the United States. While supporters of the Trump administration approach argue that tightening visa rules helps protect American workers, opponents say such restrictions discourage foreign investment and limit innovation in key industries like technology and healthcare.
Historically, H-1B visas have been distributed through a lottery system, with demand far exceeding supply. Each year, around 85,000 new H-1B visas are issued — a cap that has remained unchanged for decades despite growing needs in STEM fields.
As a result, the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump to advocate for the tech industry and its future.
Critics of the system also point out that companies sometimes classify workers at entry-level skill tiers to pay them less, even when they have advanced experience — a loophole that both political parties have pledged to reform.
Conclusion: Court Battle Could Reshape Visa Policy
The US Chamber of Commerce lawsuit against the Trump administration could set a major precedent for how far the executive branch can go in reshaping immigration and labor policies without congressional approval.
Ultimately, the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump to redefine the future of immigration policy.
For now, the business community is watching closely. If the $100,000 H-1B visa fee remains in place, experts warn it could discourage global talent, affect innovation in Silicon Valley, and reshape the landscape of high-skilled immigration to the United States.
All eyes are on how the US Chamber of Commerce sues Trump and its potential implications for the economy.
Anjali is a news writer at Hindi News 99, covering India news, technology, Entertainment, and world updates. She delivers clear and engaging articles to keep readers informed with the latest trends.