Just two weeks after the new H-1B fee faced its first legal challenge, the US Chamber of Commerce has filed another lawsuit against the Trump administration.
US Chamber Challenges H-1B Fee Hike
The complaint, filed on Thursday in the US District Court of D.C., claims that the administration exceeded its authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The Chamber argues that only Congress can approve such drastic new requirements for employers and has asked the court to block the move.
Business Group Calls Out Overreach
Representing millions of companies, the US Chamber of Commerce is America’s largest business organisation. It regularly steps in when policies hurt businesses. This time, it is challenging the government’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B work visas.
Growing Legal Opposition
Immigration lawyers and experts have questioned the Trump administration’s authority ever since the surprise announcement on September 19. They believe the decision lacks proper legal backing, and the Chamber’s case signals the issue’s growing seriousness.
This marks the second lawsuit over the H-1B fee after a coalition of unions, healthcare recruiters, academic groups, and religious organisations filed a similar case on October 3. They called the rule “arbitrary and capricious,” warning it could worsen labour shortages in vital sectors.
Widespread Impact Across Sectors
The wide range of industries joining the fight shows how deeply H-1B visa policies affect the economy. Experts say these fees could harm small businesses, universities, and healthcare institutions that depend on skilled international workers.
A Legal Battle Over Presidential Power
The administration maintains that the new fee is lawful and necessary to reform the H-1B program. However, many businesses see the Chamber’s lawsuit as a crucial stand against what they consider an unprecedented use of presidential power.
