The American Medical Association applauded legislation introduced March 17 to exempt physicians and other healthcare professionals from a $100,000 filing fee on new H-1B visa petitions.
The policy targets a cost the organization said has made it more difficult for hospitals and private practices to recruit clinicians, according to a news release shared with Becker’s. The AMA said the added expense could worsen physician shortages, increase wait times and require patients to travel farther for care.
International medical graduates account for about one in four practicing physicians in the U.S. and often work in underserved areas with higher rates of poverty and chronic disease, the release said.
The legislation was introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., D-Ga., Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y.
The AMA also said it previously joined 53 medical societies in urging the Department of Homeland Security to exempt physicians, residents and fellows from the $100,000 H-1B visa application fee.
