Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting healthcare workers from a significant increase in visa-related costs, as hospitals across the United States continue to face staffing shortages.
The proposed measure, titled the H–1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, was unveiled on Tuesday alongside Representatives Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Maria Elvira Salazar, and Mike Lawler. The bill seeks to exempt physicians and other healthcare professionals from a newly introduced US$100,000 fee tied to certain H-1B visa petitions. It also aims to prevent any additional fee increases beyond those already established under existing U.S. immigration law.
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The legislation follows a coordinated push by Clarke and Lawler, who previously led a group of 100 lawmakers in urging the Department of Homeland Security to exclude healthcare workers from the fee requirement. Lawmakers argue that the proposal is being introduced at a critical time, as workforce shortages continue to strain healthcare systems nationwide.
In a statement, Clarke emphasized the essential role immigrant healthcare professionals play in maintaining the efficiency and stability of hospitals and health systems. She noted that bipartisan support for the bill reflects broad recognition of the importance of these workers in sustaining one of the country’s most vital sectors.
Supporters of the legislation point to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which indicates that nearly 87 million Americans live in areas with limited access to medical professionals. They argue that the increased visa fees could worsen existing shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities that rely heavily on foreign-trained physicians.
Under the proposed bill, healthcare workers—as defined by the Affordable Care Act—would be exempt from the $100,000 fee introduced under a September 2025 presidential proclamation. The legislation would also cap future H-1B-related costs in line with current limits outlined in U.S. law.
Healthcare industry leaders have voiced strong support for the measure. Kenneth E. Raske, President of the Greater New York Hospital Association, warned that the fee increase could place additional financial strain on hospitals, further exacerbate workforce shortages, and reduce access to care.
Similarly, Natalia S. Rost, President of the American Academy of Neurology, highlighted long-term concerns, noting projections of a shortage of nearly 86,000 physicians in the United States by 2036. She emphasized the critical role international medical graduates have historically played in addressing these gaps.
If enacted, the legislation is expected to provide relief to healthcare providers reliant on foreign-trained professionals, while helping to stabilize a workforce already under pressure from rising demand and limited supply.
