SAN FRANCISCO: U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to drastically increase H-1B visa fees for foreign skilled workers has been legally challenged in a federal court in San Francisco.
A coalition of unions, educational institutions, religious organizations, and companies has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the president does not have the legal authority to make such significant changes to the visa program.
According to the petitioners, only the U.S. Congress has the constitutional power to impose taxes or increase fees.
Currently, companies pay around $2,000 to $5,000 to obtain an H-1B visa. Under Trump’s new directive, companies will now have to pay an additional $100,000 for each new H-1B visa application.
The Trump administration has defended the move, stating that the measure is intended to protect American workers’ jobs and prevent the hiring of foreign workers at lower wages. However, critics argue that this decision will harm a system that helps fill critical skill gaps in the U.S. labor market.
The case is expected to be closely watched, as the outcome could have major implications for tech companies, universities, and foreign professionals who rely on the H-1B visa program to work in the United States.
