Sat Dec 13 04:02:39 UTC 2025: Summary of the Text:
In December 2025, California and 19 other U.S. states filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s administration, challenging a new $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. The lawsuit argues that Trump lacks the authority to impose such a fee, which would significantly increase the cost of obtaining these visas and disproportionately impact industries like tech and healthcare that rely on foreign talent. The states contend that the fee violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution. The White House defends the fee as a lawful exercise of presidential power, aimed at preventing abuse of the H-1B program. Business groups and unions have also filed separate lawsuits.
News Article:
20 States Sue Trump Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
BOSTON, MA – December 13, 2025 – California and 19 other U.S. states are challenging a new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas implemented by former President Donald Trump’s administration. The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Boston, argues that the fee is illegal and would cripple industries reliant on highly skilled foreign workers.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals in specialized fields. The tech industry, particularly in California, is heavily dependent on the program.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the fee, which dramatically raises the cost of H-1B visas, exceeds the scope of federal immigration law and the U.S. Constitution. He argues it will cause unnecessary financial burdens for education and healthcare providers, exacerbating labor shortages and threatening vital services.
“This exorbitant fee will stifle innovation and harm our economy,” Bonta said in a statement. “It’s a blatant attempt to restrict legal immigration and penalize companies that rely on foreign talent.”
States joining the lawsuit include New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington.
The White House has defended the fee as a lawful exercise of presidential power aimed at discouraging abuse of the H-1B program. Critics argue that the H-1B program is often used to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. Business groups, however, insist that H-1B visa holders are vital to addressing a shortage of qualified American workers.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of other groups have also filed separate lawsuits. A hearing on the Chamber’s lawsuit is scheduled next week.
The outcome of these legal challenges could have significant implications for the future of the H-1B visa program and the ability of U.S. companies to attract and retain skilled foreign workers.
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