Trump Slaps $100,000 Price Tag on Visas

A new policy by President Trump imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, sparking debates over national security and economic impact.

Story Highlights

President Trump announces a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions.
The fee aims to curb the abuse of the H-1B program, protecting U.S. jobs and national security.
Critics argue the fee is an illegal barrier to hiring skilled immigrants.
The fee faces legal challenges, including a multi-state lawsuit.

Trump’s New Policy on H-1B Visa Fees

On September 19, 2025, President Trump announced a substantial fee increase for new H-1B visa petitions, setting the cost at $100,000. This represents a significant rise from the previous $1,000 to $7,600 range. The Trump administration claims this move is essential to protect American jobs and bolster national security. However, critics argue that this fee imposes an illegal barrier, restricting access to vital skilled immigrants in sectors such as healthcare and education.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Association of American Universities have challenged the fee in court. They argue that it unfairly targets employers who rely on global talent to fill critical roles, potentially stifling innovation and harming the economy. Despite these concerns, a federal district court upheld the fee, affirming the President’s authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This decision is now under appeal, with a multi-state lawsuit also in progress.

Impact on U.S. Employers and Workers

The $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions is expected to deter many employers, especially small and medium-sized businesses, from hiring foreign workers. This is particularly concerning in industries facing significant labor shortages, such as education and healthcare. For example, 74% of U.S. school districts reported difficulties in filling teaching positions for the 2024–2025 academic year, underscoring the need for access to skilled foreign labor.

The fee could exacerbate existing staffing challenges, leading to increased costs and reduced access to services for Americans. Critics argue that this approach may harm the very U.S. workers it aims to protect by restricting the talent pool and hindering economic growth.

Legal and Political Challenges

Legal challenges to the new fee are gaining momentum. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, alongside a coalition of 19 states, has filed a lawsuit claiming the fee violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds the boundaries of congressional intent. This lawsuit highlights concerns over the fee’s potential to undermine America’s economy and the legality of bypassing standard rulemaking procedures.

Trump admin triples list of countries whose citizens must pay up to $15K for visa application https://t.co/lqf8B8zQYP pic.twitter.com/EoKVrJyq0w

— New York Post (@nypost) January 7, 2026

Meanwhile, the Trump administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing the fee, citing national security concerns and the need to safeguard American jobs. The outcome of the ongoing legal battles will be crucial in determining the future of the H-1B visa program and its role in the U.S. economy.