California and 19 other US States have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The legal challenge was submitted on Friday in federal court in Boston.
The lawsuit seeks to block the fee, which applies to new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. The fee was announced by Trump in September and represents a sharp increase from current costs. At present, employers usually pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for H-1B visa processing.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the president does not have the legal authority to impose such a fee. His office stated that federal law allows immigration agencies to collect only fees tied to administrative costs. The proposed amount, they argue, goes far beyond that limit.
The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields. These fields include technology, healthcare, engineering, and education. Many technology firms depend heavily on this program, especially those based in California.
Bonta warned that the fee would place heavy financial pressure on employers. He said it could worsen labour shortages in critical sectors. Education and healthcare providers may struggle to fill key roles. This could lead to reduced services for the public.
Several other US States have joined California in the lawsuit. These include New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington. The states argue that the policy would harm their economies and public services.
The White House has defended the fee in response to earlier lawsuits. Officials say the move is lawful and meant to prevent misuse of the H-1B program. The administration believes higher costs will discourage abuse by employers.
Critics of the H-1B system argue it replaces American workers with lower-paid foreign staff. However, business groups strongly disagree. They say H-1B visas help fill jobs where qualified American workers are unavailable.
The US Chamber of Commerce has also filed a separate lawsuit against the fee. A coalition of unions, employers, and religious groups has done the same. A judge in Washington, DC, is expected to hear arguments in one case next week.
Under Trump’s order, new H-1B holders cannot enter the country unless the fee is paid. The rule does not apply to existing visa holders or earlier applicants.
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Legal experts say the case could have wide implications. The outcome may affect how far executive power can go on immigration fees. For now, the lawsuit by US States adds to growing legal pressure on the policy.
