Lawsuit Challenging New H-1B Visa Rules

To: The Caltech Community
From: Thomas F. Rosenbaum, President and David A. Tirrell, Provost
Date: October 19, 2020
Re: Lawsuit Challenging New H-1B Visa Rules

Earlier today, Caltech and five other research institutions and universities, along with the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and business, manufacturing, trade, and labor organizations filed suit to block the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing and enforcing final rules that would overhaul the H-1B visa program. The lawsuit argues that the rules will "substantially restrict, if not outright eliminate" the H-1B visa category, and call into question the status of many of our community members who actively contribute to Caltech's research and educational endeavors.

Our work to advance discovery in science and engineering and to respond to society's most critical challenges depends on the contributions of all members of our community, importantly including our international colleagues. Universities and industries across the United States benefit immensely from their insights and discoveries. America will be the poorer if these new rules go into effect, increasing financial and compliance costs to a level that effectively eliminate employment security.

We write today to reinforce our support for the international members of our community.  We act to advance scientific discovery and technological innovation in service of society. The full complaint is available online; a story about Caltech's action is also published online.