Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 10: State attorneys general across the United States have welcomed a federal court decision striking down the Trump administration’s controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, describing the ruling as a major win for employers, educational institutions, healthcare systems and research organisations that depend on skilled international professionals.
The ruling, delivered by a federal district court in Massachusetts, nullified the fee that had been imposed on all new H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025. The policy had been challenged by a coalition of states, which argued that the administration lacked the legal authority from Congress to introduce such a charge.
Reacting to the verdict, Nick Brown said the decision would help preserve Washington state's ability to recruit and retain highly specialised talent essential for innovation and economic growth.
He noted that the fee would have placed a significant financial burden on state agencies, public universities and colleges, potentially affecting their ability to fill critical positions in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and healthcare. According to state officials, nearly 500 H-1B visa holders are currently employed across more than 30 public institutions in Washington.
The legal challenge was led by Rob Bonta, who welcomed the judgment as a clear rejection of what he described as an unlawful and costly policy. He said the ruling reinforces the country's ability to attract highly skilled professionals who contribute to economic growth and support essential services across sectors.
Bonta emphasized that industries such as healthcare and education rely heavily on international expertise and that barriers to hiring skilled workers could have far-reaching consequences for communities and public services.
Meanwhile, William Tong praised the court's decision, arguing that the fee would have unfairly penalised employers seeking qualified professionals for critical roles. He described the legal victory as an important step toward maintaining a fair and lawful immigration system.
The coalition of states maintained that the fee would have created a significant obstacle for employers hiring workers in specialised occupations, including teachers, physicians, nurses and researchers. They warned that such restrictions could deepen workforce shortages and negatively impact sectors already facing recruitment challenges.
Before the introduction of the $100,000 charge, employers typically paid between $960 and $7,595 in combined statutory and regulatory fees for H-1B visa petitions. State officials argued that the dramatic increase would have made hiring international talent financially unviable for many institutions.
The coalition also highlighted the broader economic impact of H-1B professionals and their families, citing estimates that they contribute approximately $86 billion annually to the US economy. In addition, they are estimated to generate around $35 billion in federal and payroll taxes and another $11 billion in state and local tax revenues.
The court's ruling is expected to provide relief to employers nationwide while preserving access to global talent in key sectors that rely on specialised skills and expertise.