State attorneys general in the United States have celebrated a federal court decision that overturned the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions. This ruling is seen as a victory for various sectors like employers, universities, healthcare providers, and research institutions that heavily rely on skilled foreign workers.
The US District Court in Massachusetts recently invalidated the fee, which was imposed on all new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. A coalition of multiple states had contested this policy, arguing that the administration did not have the necessary congressional authorization to implement the charge.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown expressed that this ruling would safeguard the state’s capacity to attract specialized talent. He emphasized that the victory would help maintain the state’s position at the forefront of cutting-edge research that drives dynamic industries worldwide.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who spearheaded the multistate challenge, hailed the court’s decision as a resounding rejection of the controversial policy. He highlighted that the fee reversal was crucial in preserving America’s ability to draw and retain high-skilled individuals, which in turn bolsters the economy and fulfills critical workforce demands.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong also lauded the court ruling, denouncing the fee as an unjust burden on employers. Tong emphasized that the fee removal halted what he described as Donald Trump’s attempt to commercialize the American Dream to the highest bidder, particularly affecting Connecticut employers in both the public and private sectors who heavily rely on skilled H-1B workers for crucial roles.
State officials argued that the fee acted as a significant obstacle for employers seeking specialized workers, such as teachers, physicians, researchers, and nurses. They warned that the policy could exacerbate labor shortages and disrupt essential public services, underscoring the importance of a fair and lawful immigration process.
