Trump Administration to Defend $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Amid Legal Challenges

Washington, D.C.: The Trump administration is preparing to defend its $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants in court, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. She described the policy as “lawful” and aimed at protecting American workers and curbing alleged fraud in the visa system, which she claims has driven down domestic wages.

The fee has sparked multiple lawsuits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unions, employers, and religious groups in federal courts in California and Washington, D.C. Plaintiffs argue that the charge violates the Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires visa fees to reflect the government’s actual processing costs, and could make it prohibitively expensive for start-ups and small businesses to hire international talent.

Neil Bradley of the U.S. Chamber warned the fee threatens the growth of U.S. businesses, while the administration maintains it is necessary to “refine” and strengthen the H-1B program.