Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa application fee upheld by judge

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's implementation of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has been upheld by a federal judge, posing challenges for US technology companies that depend on skilled foreign labor [1][2][3] Impact on Technology Companies - The ruling supports the administration's efforts to limit immigration and prioritize US workers, which could significantly affect technology firms that rely heavily on H-1B visas for hiring [2][4] - Major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple are among those that utilize a large number of H-1B visas, and the increased fee may alter their hiring strategies [11][12] - The high cost of the new fee is expected to deter hiring for less specialized roles, leading companies to focus on domestic talent rather than seeking global candidates [12][13] Legal Challenges and Responses - The US Chamber of Commerce plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the fee is unlawful and exceeds the authority granted by Congress [4][5] - A coalition of 19 state attorneys general is also contesting the fee, emphasizing its potential negative impact on public sectors like healthcare and education [5][6] - Other lawsuits are pending, which may still block the fee, indicating ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding the H-1B visa program [6][7] Economic Implications - The administration anticipates that the fee could generate significant revenue for the US Treasury, potentially exceeding $100 billion, but experts warn that such a fee could disrupt the economy [9][10] - The shift in visa application processes, including the move from a lottery system to a weighted selection, aims to encourage employers to hire higher-paid foreign workers, which may further complicate hiring practices [10][12] Global Impact - The changes to the H-1B visa program are particularly detrimental to Indian IT companies, which have historically benefited the most from the program, as they will face increased costs and uncertainty [16]