US Chamber of Commerce Slams Proposed $100,000 H-1B Fee, Citing Deep Concerns for Workers and Businesses
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- September 21, 2025
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Washington D.C. is abuzz with heated debate as the US Chamber of Commerce unequivocally denounces a shocking proposal to impose a staggering $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa. In a move that sends ripples of concern across the American business landscape and within countless families, the Chamber has labeled this potential levy as not just misguided, but "punitive" and "short-sighted."
The controversial fee, reportedly put forth by influential legislators including Senator Dick Durbin, aims to funnel resources towards bolstering border security.
While the intent behind securing national borders is widely understood, the method – a colossal increase in H-1B visa costs – has ignited fierce opposition from an organization that represents millions of American businesses.
Neil Bradley, the Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the US Chamber of Commerce, minced no words in expressing the organization's profound apprehension.
"We are deeply concerned about American workers and their families, many of whom are H-1B visa holders and critical contributors to our economy," Bradley stated. He further emphasized the far-reaching negative implications of such a fee, asserting that it would severely hamstring the ability of U.S.
businesses to attract and retain the highly skilled talent essential for innovation and global competitiveness.
The Chamber argues that this draconian measure would not only escalate operational costs for businesses to an unsustainable level but could also lead to job losses and a significant decline in America’s economic dynamism.
In an era where technological advancement and skilled labor are paramount, imposing such an exorbitant fee on essential foreign-born professionals, who often fill crucial skill gaps, is seen as an act of self-sabotage.
For H-1B visa holders and their families, the proposition introduces a layer of crippling financial burden and profound uncertainty.
Many have built lives, careers, and communities in the United States, contributing significantly to local economies and diverse sectors. A fee of this magnitude could effectively price out talent, forcing skilled individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere and fracturing families who rely on these visas.
This proposed fee surfaces amidst a broader, high-stakes congressional negotiation over border security funding, intertwined with debates on aid packages for Ukraine and Israel.
Senator Durbin's reported suggestion to link H-1B visa fees to border appropriations highlights the complex and often politically charged nature of immigration policy within legislative discussions.
Instead of resorting to punitive fees, the US Chamber of Commerce advocates for a comprehensive, bipartisan approach to immigration reform.
They call for a modern, merit-based immigration system that not only addresses border security effectively but also recognizes the indispensable role of skilled immigrants in fostering American economic growth, innovation, and global leadership. The Chamber's message is clear: true solutions lie in systemic reforms, not in policies that punish businesses and families while undermining the nation's competitive edge.
The battle over the $100,000 H-1B fee is more than just a fiscal debate; it's a critical discussion about the future of American innovation, the well-being of its diverse workforce, and the nation's standing on the global stage.
The Chamber's strong stance serves as a stark warning against policies that could inadvertently cripple the very economic engine they claim to protect.
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