First lawsuit filed challenging Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee

"The programme allows US employers to hire foreign workers in speciality fields, and technology companies in particular rely heavily on workers who receive H-1B visas. Critics of H-1Bs and other work visa programmes say they are often used to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour. But business groups and major companies have said H-1Bs are a critical means to address a shortage of qualified American workers."

"Trump in his unprecedented order invoked his power under federal immigration law to restrict the entry of certain foreign nationals that would be detrimental to the interests of the US. He said that high numbers of lower-wage workers in the H-1B programme have undercut its integrity and that the programme threatens national security, including by discouraging Americans from pursuing careers"

"The lawsuit claims Trump does not have the authority to override the law that created the H-1B visa programme. A coalition of unions, employers and religious groups has filed a lawsuit seeking to block United States President Donald Trump's bid to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers. The lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco on Friday is the first to challenge Trump's proclamation issued last month announcing the fee."

A coalition of unions, employers and religious groups filed a federal lawsuit in San Francisco seeking to block a presidential proclamation that would impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. Plaintiffs argue the president lacks authority to override the statute that established the H-1B programme. The H-1B programme permits US employers to hire foreign speciality workers and technology firms depend heavily on these visas. Employers currently typically pay between $2,000 and $5,000 in fees. The proclamation exempts current H-1B holders and applicants filed before September 21. Critics say H-1Bs can displace American workers with cheaper labour, while businesses say H-1Bs address shortages of qualified American applicants.

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