A federal judge raised concerns about the US Chamber of Commerce’s challenge to President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 fee hike on companies seeking to hire foreign workers on H-1B visas. Judge Beryl Howell questioned the business organization’s request to block or strike down the policy, citing a president’s broad authority under immigration law.
Howell said Congress gave presidents the power to limit entry for foreign nationals, including the ability to impose restrictions. She also pointed out that companies have opted to hire American workers over foreign nationals with the new fee structure in place. The judge suggested that the Chamber should redirect its efforts from litigation to lobbying Congress.
The proclamation aims to address national security concerns and encourage hiring of American graduates from US universities for high-skilled jobs. However, the judge raised questions about the feasibility of limiting principles in the law and whether the Chamber has standing to file the lawsuit. The Justice Department’s attorney argued that exemptions on the fee for certain foreign nationals demonstrate that the policy does not override the H-1B program.
The article does not mention any direct statement from Trump regarding his stance on the issue.
Source: https://rollcall.com/2025/12/19/judge-points-to-trumps-authority-in-challenge-to-h-1b-visa-hike