A major legal challenge has emerged in the United States against the $100,000 (₹8.8 million) H-1B visa application fee introduced under former President Donald Trump’s administration. A coalition of healthcare providers, religious groups, university professors, and individuals filed a lawsuit in federal court on Friday, claiming the policy is creating widespread confusion for employers, workers, and federal agencies.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Federal Court in San Francisco, targets the Trump administration’s decision to impose a one-time fee of $100,000 for new H-1B visa applications. The plaintiffs argue that the H-1B program is crucial for sectors such as healthcare and education, which rely heavily on skilled foreign professionals like doctors, researchers, and teachers.
According to the lawsuit, the new fee structure could severely restrict recruitment of essential workers and harm America’s innovation and economic growth. “The H-1B visa system ensures the supply of skilled talent that drives education, healthcare, and technology,” the lawsuit states.
The group has requested the court to immediately suspend the implementation of this new fee policy to prevent disruption in the hiring process for critical roles. They warn that the excessive cost will not only reduce employment opportunities but also weaken the quality of healthcare, education, and public services across the U.S.
Several industry experts and advocacy organizations have expressed concern that this move could trigger a severe talent shortage and slow down U.S. growth in key innovation sectors. The case continues to draw national attention as industries await the court’s next decision.
