The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the government’s recent decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, arguing that the move violates federal immigration law.
In its complaint, the Chamber stated that the fee exceeds the limits set by the Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates that visa charges only cover administrative costs. Neil Bradley, the Chamber’s Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, said the steep cost would make it nearly impossible for many US employers—particularly start-ups and small businesses—to hire skilled foreign professionals.
“The new $100,000 visa fee will make it cost-prohibitive for US employers, especially small and midsize firms, to use the H-1B program—created by Congress to help American businesses of all sizes access global talent,” Bradley said in an official statement.
Bradley added that while the Trump administration has focused on border security and economic growth, the US economy still depends on highly skilled workers to sustain expansion. He emphasized the Chamber’s support for targeted immigration reforms that streamline the visa process and help retain global talent.
“President Trump’s pro-growth agenda—tax reforms, energy expansion, and deregulation—has our full support,” the Chamber said. “But to sustain this growth, America will need more workers, not fewer.”
The organisation reiterated its willingness to collaborate with Congress and the administration to develop a fairer, more practical H-1B system that meets the needs of US employers while strengthening the nation’s workforce.
