Trump Administration Sets $100,000 Price Tag On Immigrants' Dreams

KEY POINTS

•US District Judge Beryl Howell ruled in Washington, DC, that the Trump administration can impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.
•The fee increase aims to curb immigration and prioritize hiring US workers, as part of the administration's labor policies announced in late 2025.
•The US Chamber of Commerce and Association of American Universities have challenged the fee in court and can still appeal the ruling.

In a dazzling display of optimism, US District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, DC, gave a thumbs-up to the Trump administration's plan to charge a staggering $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications as of December 2025. This generous increase aims to 'steer hiring toward US workers,' according to the official spiel, while the US Chamber of Commerce and Association of American Universities are gearing up to continue their courtroom workouts by appealing this wallet-busting decision. The new visa toll promises to make immigrants feel right at home: rich enough to pay it or lucky enough to dream smaller. Fun fact: Dado Ruvic from REUTERS immortalized the moment with a photo featuring a US flag, a mock passport, a dollar bill, and the infamous H-1B application form—a perfect starter pack for the aspiring $100,000 risk-taker!