Trump’s H-1B Crackdown: Indians Hope for Relief as Chamber of Commerce Appeals in Court

Indian IT Professionals Hope for Relief: US President Donald Trump's recent decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas has now become a legal battleground. On Thursday, the US Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court in Washington, DC. The Chamber claims the fee is "illegal" and will cause significant harm to American businesses. This move comes shortly after Trump's September 2025 proclamation mandating a $100,000 payment with H-1B petitions.

Trump had touted this decision as a tool to strengthen the US economy, but its effects are now clearly visible. Many tech companies, especially smaller firms, have halted new H-1B visa sponsorships, affecting thousands of high-skilled workers—mostly Indians. According to the Chamber, the previous H-1B application fee was less than $3,600, but the new fee will cause labor costs to skyrocket.

What are the main allegations in the court case?

In a petition filed with the court, the US Chamber stated that Trump's order is a clear violation of immigration laws. According to the law, fees should be based solely on the actual cost of the visa process, not arbitrarily determined. The petition demands that the court declare Trump's decision invalid and prevent federal agencies from implementing it. The Chamber's lawyers argued, "The President has authority over the entry of non-citizens, but this authority is bound by law. Its abuse is unacceptable."

If the fee is implemented, American businesses will be forced to either reduce their workforce or seek domestic alternatives, which will be difficult for high-skilled jobs. The Chamber warned that this will stifle innovation and economic growth.

H-1B Visa: The Biggest Gateway for Indians

The H-1B visa is for high-skilled jobs that cater to American companies in the tech, engineering, and IT sectors. Indians receive over 70% of the 85,000 visas issued each year. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon rely on it. Trump's move is part of his "America First" policy, but critics say it will weaken the US's global competitiveness.

What will be the impact?  

The Trump administration claims that this fee will prioritize American workers and boost the economy. However, experts say small companies will be unable to afford it. According to a report, "Many firms said that the $100,000 fee would prevent them from hiring new talent." If the court rules in favor of the Chamber, it will be a major relief for thousands of Indian professionals seeking dream jobs in the US. The lawsuit is the first major legal attack on Trump's immigration policies, and a decision could come in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, bipartisan lawmakers are preparing to introduce legislation on H-1B reform.