California and 19 other US states are filing a lawsuit seeking to block President Donald Trump’s move to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, escalating a legal battle over a policy that has sharply raised the cost of hiring highly skilled foreign workers.

CHALLENGE TO SEPTEMBER ORDER

The lawsuit challenges a fee announced in September that far exceeds the existing H-1B visa charges, which typically range between $2,000 and $5,000. It will be at least the third legal challenge to the policy, which critics say threatens to upend a programme relied upon by the technology sector, universities and healthcare providers.

STATES QUESTION PRESIDENTIAL AUTHORITY

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the suit, argues that the Trump administration lacks the authority to impose

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