Washington, June 10: Attorneys General from several U.S. states have welcomed a federal court ruling that annulled the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. They argue that this decision provides significant relief to companies, universities, hospitals, and research institutions that rely on skilled foreign workers.
Just a day prior, a U.S. District Court in Massachusetts issued a final ruling to eliminate this fee, which was imposed on all new H-1B visa applications filed after September 21, 2025. A coalition of states challenged this policy in court, claiming that the administration lacked the authority to impose such a fee without Congressional approval.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown stated that this ruling will assist the state in attracting individuals with specialized skills. He remarked, “This victory will help our state remain at the forefront of highly specialized research that drives some of the world’s most dynamic industries.”
He also noted, “Had this unlawful fee not been halted, it would have placed a heavy financial burden on Washington’s government agencies, public universities, and colleges.” According to Brown’s office, nearly 500 H-1B visa holders work across more than 30 government agencies, public universities, and colleges in Washington State. Officials indicated that the fee made it challenging for educational institutions to recruit qualified individuals in critical fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the coalition of states in this case, emphasized that the court has clearly rejected this policy. He stated, “The decision is in. The unlawful and expensive $100,000 tax imposed by the Trump administration has been annulled. This tax was an attack on America’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled talent. These individuals strengthen our economy and fulfill staffing needs in essential sectors.”
Bonta added, “California is open for business, open for talent, and committed to ensuring that vital services such as healthcare and education continue to receive a strong and efficient workforce.”
Leave a Comment