Washington: Nineteen US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging its decision to sharply increase the fee for new H-1B visa applications to $100,000 (approximately Rs 90 lakh), calling the move illegal and harmful to the American economy.
In their petition, the states warned that the unprecedented fee hike would worsen labour shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, education and information technology, which are already struggling to recruit qualified professionals.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday in a federal district court in Massachusetts by New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with attorneys general from 18 other states. The petitioners have argued that the Trump administration imposed the massive fee increase without following mandatory legal and regulatory procedures, thereby violating federal law.
The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to temporarily hire skilled foreign professionals in specialised occupations. A significant proportion of H-1B visa holders are from India, particularly in technology, healthcare and academic fields. Indian professionals form the backbone of several US industries that depend heavily on highly trained international talent.
The states have expressed concern that healthcare and education systems will be among the worst affected. Hospitals and clinics that rely on H-1B doctors and nurses could face severe staffing shortages, while schools and universities may struggle to recruit qualified teachers and researchers.
“As a result of this decision, New Yorkers could be forced to struggle for access to quality healthcare and proper education for their children,” Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. She warned that the Trump administration’s move would deal a blow to the US economy and undermine essential public services.
James further accused the administration of deliberately targeting immigrant communities through policy decisions that make it harder for skilled foreign workers to contribute to the country. “We strongly condemn this action, which appears to be driven by hostility toward immigrants rather than sound economic policy,” she said.
The controversial fee hike was ordered through an executive action issued by former President Donald Trump on September 19. Critics argue that the dramatic increase effectively shuts the door on many employers, particularly small hospitals, educational institutions and startups, that cannot afford such high costs.
The case is expected to draw national attention, given the central role of the H-1B programme in the US labour market and the broader debate over immigration and skilled workforce policies.
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