Washington, DC [US], October 17, 2025: The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, calling the move “illegal and harmful” to American businesses.
In its legal filing, the Chamber argued that the newly introduced fee violates the Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates that visa-related charges should reflect only the administrative costs incurred by the government in processing applications.
Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the US Chamber, said the steep fee would severely impact US companies—particularly start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises—by making it financially unfeasible to hire skilled foreign professionals under the H-1B program.
“The $100,000 visa fee effectively shuts the door on businesses that rely on global talent to innovate and expand in the United States,” Bradley said. “Congress designed the H-1B program to help employers fill critical skill gaps, and this new rule undermines that intent.”
He further noted that while the Chamber supports the administration’s efforts to secure the border and stimulate economic growth, it believes that a balanced immigration policy is vital to maintaining the nation’s competitive edge.
“With a secure border, this is the moment to implement targeted immigration reforms that strengthen our workforce,” Bradley added. “We look forward to working with Congress and the administration on sensible measures that allow US businesses to attract and retain the world’s best talent.”
The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate on immigration reforms that encourage innovation, economic expansion, and job creation across the United States.
