The decision by US President Donald Trump to raise H-1B visa fees has sparked widespread opposition across the United States and internationally. Companies across various sectors have voiced concerns over the impact of the hike, and the US Chamber of Commerce has already challenged the move in court.
In a significant development, 20 US states have filed a lawsuit opposing the fee increase, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The legal action seeks to block the proposed $100,000 fee, arguing that the president lacks the constitutional authority to make such sweeping changes to immigration policy.
Bonta emphasized that only Congress has the power to implement key changes to immigration laws and associated costs. Speaking to the media, he stated that any attempt by a president to impose additional H-1B fees is beyond their authority and undermines constitutional processes.
The attorney general also highlighted the broader implications of the decision, warning that it could worsen existing labor shortages in critical sectors such as education and healthcare. Skilled H-1B visa holders, already in short supply, could become even harder to recruit under the proposed fee regime.
Bonta further noted that the fee increase would place financial burdens on both government bodies and private employers. The lawsuit underscores the legal and economic challenges of the administration’s unilateral move, as states and businesses push back to protect workforce stability and uphold the rule of law.