Explained: Why America’s universities are saying ‘no’ the $100,000 H-1B visa fee

The Association of American Universities (AAU) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have sued the Trump administration over a new $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa petition, warning it could devastate research, teaching, and innovation. Universities argue the policy will drive away international scholars vital to U.S. scientific and economic leadership. With global competitors actively recruiting talent, the measure risks shifting research, patents, and innovation capacity abroad—undermining America’s long-term competitiveness.