Hawaii has joined a significant legal battle, with the state's Attorney General adding its name to a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s recent decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. The lawsuit, which involves the attorneys general of 20 states including California and New York, was filed on Friday, December 12, 2025. The move has raised concerns among Hawaii's entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals who depend on highly skilled foreign workers.
The lawsuit targets the fee increase, imposed by the Trump administration, which could dramatically increase the cost of employing foreign nationals in specialized fields. These H-1B visas are crucial for many Hawaii-based companies, in particular those operating in the technology sector and other specialized industries. For example, the fee could place a significant burden on small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups, potentially hindering innovation and growth across the islands.
This legal action highlights the broader tension between the Trump administration’s policy and the needs of states like Hawaii, which benefits from the contributions of skilled foreign workers across various sectors. A recent analysis by the American Immigration Council reveals the importance of H-1B workers in bolstering the US economy. According to several reports (forbes.com ) and (reason.com), such visa programs are often essential for companies to fill critical roles, especially in areas where a shortage of local talent exists. The lawsuit's outcome will therefore be closely watched by Hawaii's business community.
