The US Chamber of Commerce has initiated legal action against the Trump administration’s newly imposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, a program designed for skilled foreign workers. Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer of the Chamber, criticized the fee, stating it would render the program financially unfeasible for American employers. The fee was introduced via an executive order signed by President Trump last month, who claimed the visa program had been misused and detrimental to the American workforce. The H-1B visa is particularly vital for the US tech industry, utilized extensively by both large corporations and small startups. The White House defended the fee, labeling it as a lawful and essential step towards reforming the visa program. This fee applies exclusively to new visa applications and mandates payment for entry. The decision has sparked criticism from tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, and Sundar Pichai, who themselves began their careers in the US on H-1B visas. They argue that the program is crucial for attracting global talent. Concurrently, Trump introduced a ‘gold card’ initiative, offering expedited visas to certain immigrants in exchange for fees starting at £1 million. The Chamber of Commerce contends that the fee would severely harm American businesses, potentially leading to increased labor costs or reduced hiring of skilled workers. Despite this, the Chamber acknowledged Trump’s broader economic agenda positively. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported the fee, suggesting companies should assess the value of retaining foreign workers against the cost. The majority of H-1B visa holders originate from India and China. Tech companies assert that these workers are not easily replaceable by American labor. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers emphasized that the administration’s measures aim to prevent the suppression of American wages.