New York Joins Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, California, Michigan, and Fifteen More US States in One Hundred Thousand USD Lawsuit Against Trump Visa Travel Fee: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 15, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

New York joins Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, California, Michigan, and fifteen more US states in suing the Trump administration over its one hundred thousand dollar visa fee, claiming it will harm industries reliant on skilled foreign workers. The states argue that the fee, imposed on H-1B visa applications, will increase operational costs for sectors like technology, healthcare, and education, ultimately hindering job creation and innovation. With major tech hubs like Silicon Valley and renowned universities heavily dependent on foreign talent, the lawsuit seeks to block the fee, which they say could disrupt critical services and stifle U.S. global competitiveness.

What is the $100,000 Visa Travel Fee?

In September 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The fee applies to foreign workers seeking skilled jobs in the United States, particularly in technology, healthcare, and other sectors that require specialized knowledge. The Trump administration argued that the fee would prevent companies from exploiting the program to keep wages low and would ensure that American workers have access to better job opportunities.

However, the policy has sparked fierce opposition. Critics argue that this new fee will harm the very industries that rely heavily on foreign talent, from Silicon Valley tech giants to academic institutions and even healthcare providers. The fee, which significantly adds to the cost of hiring foreign workers, is seen as an unnecessary burden that could hurt America’s global competitiveness.

The Lawsuit: Why Are States Suing?

On December 12, 2025, California and 19 other states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The lawsuit seeks to block the enforcement of the $100,000 visa fee, calling it unlawful and damaging to critical sectors in the economy.

The states argue that the fee disproportionately impacts industries in their states that rely on H-1B visa holders, including universities, hospitals, and technology companies. California, for instance, is home to many tech giants such as Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Apple, all of which employ thousands of foreign workers through the H-1B program.

According to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the fee would “devastate” key sectors like education, healthcare, and research. “This fee puts jobs, innovation, and essential services at risk,” Bonta said. “It threatens the quality of education, healthcare, and other core services available to our residents.”

The States Involved in the Lawsuit

In addition to California, other states that have joined the lawsuit include:

• New York
• Colorado
• Washington
• North Carolina
• Michigan
• Massachusetts (lead plaintiff)
• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

Each of these states has significant industries, including tech, healthcare, and education, that depend on the availability of skilled foreign workers. For example, Washington state is home to tech behemoth Microsoft, while New York hosts many hospitals and educational institutions that rely on international experts.

The Impact on Travel and Tourism

While the lawsuit primarily focuses on the impacts on tech, healthcare, and education, the travel and tourism sectors could also feel the effects of the new visa fee. Many travel companies, especially in major cities like New York, California, and Washington, depend on skilled foreign workers in various roles, including hospitality management, tour operators, and transportation services.

For the travel industry, foreign workers play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards expected by international tourists. The imposition of a $100,000 fee could discourage companies from hiring workers with the specialized skills needed to keep up with the growing demand for travel services, potentially harming the competitiveness of U.S. tourism.

Tech Companies and H-1B Visa Holders

The H-1B visa program has been a lifeline for many technology companies in the United States. Silicon Valley, in particular, is home to many startups and established tech firms that rely heavily on skilled foreign workers to fill roles in software development, data analysis, and engineering.

In the lawsuit, major tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Apple, have voiced concerns about how the new fee will stifle innovation and raise operating costs. These companies argue that the fee would make it harder for them to compete on a global scale and fill vital positions with the best talent, regardless of nationality.

Moreover, the limited number of H-1B visas available each year — capped at 85,000 — already makes the process highly competitive. The additional $100,000 fee adds another layer of difficulty for companies that rely on foreign workers, particularly for roles that American workers may not be readily available to fill.

What’s Next for the Lawsuit?

As the lawsuit progresses, the legal battle will likely unfold over the coming months. The states involved are asking the court to declare the $100,000 visa fee unlawful and to prevent its enforcement. In the meantime, the Trump administration’s policies on immigration and foreign workers remain under intense scrutiny.

If the lawsuit succeeds, it could lead to the rollback of the $100,000 fee and a potential overhaul of the H-1B visa program. However, if the court rules in favor of the administration, the fee could become a permanent feature of the visa application process, potentially changing the landscape of foreign worker hiring in the U.S.

When Is the Hearing Set to Happen?

As of now, no specific hearing date has been set for the lawsuit filed by New York, California, Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, Michigan, and fifteen other U.S. states challenging the Trump administration’s $100,000 visa fee. The case, filed on December 12, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, is still awaiting a formal hearing schedule.

However, a related case filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups, also challenging the fee, has a hearing scheduled for December 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C. This case is expected to provide early insights into how courts may approach the issue of the new visa fee.

The outcome of these hearings could significantly impact the future of the H-1B visa program and the $100,000 fee, as courts begin to assess whether the fee will be upheld or blocked.

New York joins Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, California, Michigan, and fifteen more US states in suing the Trump administration over its one hundred thousand dollar visa fee, arguing it will harm industries like tech, healthcare, and education that rely on skilled foreign workers.

Conclusion

The $100,000 visa fee imposed by the Trump administration has sparked significant opposition from 20 states, including California, New York, Colorado, Washington, and Michigan, all of which rely on foreign talent in critical industries. The lawsuit aims to block this fee, arguing that it will harm sectors like technology, healthcare, and education, while also having a potentially damaging impact on the travel industry. As this legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the courts will rule and what the future holds for the H-1B visa program.

For now, businesses and foreign workers alike are awaiting the court’s decision, which could reshape the future of immigration policy in the U.S. and influence global talent mobility.