Tired doctor with glasses in hand holding his eyes in clinic. Emotional burnout of medical
workers increased workload concept
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The American Medical Association (AMA), alongside over 50 other medical societies, recently called upon the Trump administration to exempt physicians
from the newly instituted $100,000 H-1B visa application fee.
The recent White House announcement noted that all new H-1B visa applications would now incur a $100,000
supplementary fee. The AMA, along with the 53 medical societies, has argued that this fee should be waived so that
H-1B physicians can continue to fill critical roles in providing healthcare to patients across the U.S. In a letter
to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the organizations emphasized the essential role these physicians
play in the health sector.
According to the AMA, last year, a significant 23% of licensed physicians in the United States were trained
internationally. These H-1B physicians are pivotal in delivering necessary healthcare services, especially
in regions facing high rates of poverty and chronic illness. The H-1B visa program remains fundamental for
attracting international medical graduates and health professionals who have received their training outside the U.S.
Amidst an already existing physician shortage, projected to reach up to 86,000 physicians by 2036 according to the Association of American Medical Colleges,
the reliance on foreign-trained physicians is more crucial than ever.
The AMA and the supporting organizations stated in their correspondence: “The U.S. healthcare workforce depends on
international physicians to ensure high-quality and accessible patient care.” They advocate for a fair and efficient
immigration policy that not only strengthens the healthcare system but also bolsters the nation’s health security.
Signatories of the letter included notable entities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College
of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Psychiatric Association, among others.
They further urged Secretary Noem to clarify that the exemption should cover all physicians, including those in
training programs, researchers, and individuals in non-clinical roles, deeming them crucial to the national interest.
