WASHINGTON – A coalition of 20 US states has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump, challenging the imposition of a new $100,000 fee on the H-1B visa programme, describing the move as unlawful and damaging to key public sectors.
The lawsuit said that the newly introduced fee—set to apply to new H-1B visa applicants—was implemented without the required approval of Congress and in violation of federal statutes, including the Administrative Procedure Act.
The states argue that the measure exceeds the federal government’s regulatory authority and therefore cannot be legally enforced.
The plaintiff states warned that the sharply increased fee would make it difficult for institutions in education, healthcare, scientific research, and other essential services to recruit skilled workers.
Many universities, hospitals, and public-sector organisations depend heavily on H-1B professionals to fill specialised roles, they said.
In their legal challenge, state attorneys general contended that the fee places an unfair and disproportionate burden on employers and the wider public, while undermining sectors critical to the US economy and public welfare.
The case has been filed in a federal court, where the states have also requested a court injunction to immediately halt implementation of the policy until a final ruling is made on its legality.
