𝗨𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣’𝗦 $100,000 𝗛-1B 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗘 — TECH HIRING IMPACT FEARS GROW

A U.S. federal judge has upheld President Donald Trump’s controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, rejecting a major legal challenge from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.

Judge Beryl Howell, sitting in Washington, D.C., ruled the fee falls within the president’s broad statutory authority to regulate immigration and dismissed arguments that it conflicted with federal law.

The fee, introduced by a presidential proclamation in September 2025, sharply increases the cost of H-1B visa applications from roughly $2,000-$5,000 to $100,000 — a move designed to “protect American workers” but widely criticized by employers.

Tech companies, universities, and small and medium-sized businesses warn the fee could restrict their ability to hire global talent and stifle innovation and research.

The program, heavily relied upon by U.S. technology firms and employers in specialized fields, normally issues about 85,000 H-1B visas annually through a lottery system.

Other lawsuits remain pending, and plaintiffs may pursue appeals or additional legal challenges.

This ruling marks a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy, with potential ripple effects on the global tech workforce, ongoing debate over the role of foreign talent in the economy, and accompanying changes to how visas are awarded.