A new lawsuit is fighting against a USCIS rule that would make it more expensive for companies to file immigration paperwork for their employees.
If successful, this lawsuit could save companies much money compared to what they would have to pay under the new rule.
The rule would make employers pay much more for certain immigration petitions. For example, they would have to pay 70% more for H-1B petitions, 201% more for L-1 petitions, and 129% more for O-1 petitions.
Additionally, there would be a new $600 fee for filing certain forms related to nonimmigrant workers.
One of the groups suing the government says that the new fees would increase employers’ costs by 115% to 175% in the first year.
Another estimate suggests that filing for an H-1B visa for the first time could cost companies around $9,400.
The lawsuit argues that the government didn’t follow the right procedures when making this rule and that it unfairly forces some businesses and individuals to pay for asylum applications.
It also claims that the rule unlawfully doubles the fees for immigrant investors who don’t complete a required study.
The government defends the rule, saying it follows the law and takes into account the money Congress has given for specific immigration programs.
The new fees are supposed to start on April 1, 2024, but the lawsuit is trying to prevent that.
(Source: Forbes)