Business

A federal judge dismissed a challenge on Tuesday from the largest business group in the U.S. regarding President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas aimed at skilled foreign workers. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, located in Washington, D.C., stated that this fee falls under the president's authority to manage immigration. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued that the fee violates federal immigration law and would push many companies, hospitals, and other employers to reduce jobs and diminish public services. Judge Howell noted, “The parties’ vigorous debate over the ultimate wisdom of this political judgment is not within the province of the courts.” She added that as long as the policy aligns with the law, it must be upheld. Howell was appointed by former Democratic President Barack Obama. Daryl Joseffer, the Chamber’s executive vice president and chief counsel, expressed concern that many small and medium-sized businesses might struggle to pay the new fee. “We are disappointed in the court’s decision and are considering further legal options to ensure that the H-1B visa program can operate as Congress intended,” he stated. The H-1B program lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers with expertise in specialized fields. Technology companies, in particular, depend on these H-1B visa holders. Each year, the program allocates 65,000 visas, plus an additional 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees, valid for three to six years. Trump's new order would significantly increase the costs associated with H-1B visas, which previously had fees ranging from about $2,000 to $5,000 based on different factors. The Chamber's lawsuit claims that the increased fee would force businesses relying on the H-1B program to choose between rising labor costs or hiring fewer highly skilled foreign workers.