Hospitals Nationwide Plead with Administration to Reverse New Visa Fee
Hospitals across the United States are urgently requesting the administration reconsider a recently implemented fee of $100,000 for the H-1B visa, a program used to hire highly skilled workers from abroad, as it threatens their ability to address critical staffing shortages.
The policy change, announced in September, was framed by the administration as an incentive to prioritize American workers. However, healthcare facilities argue the substantial cost makes it nearly impossible to recruit needed medical professionals, particularly for smaller and midsize hospitals. Jamie White, the chief nursing officer at Frederick Health in Maryland, explained, “We cannot afford that for even one individual.” Frederick Health had planned to sponsor 45 nurses on H-1B visas but has now put those plans on hold. This comes at a time when the U.S. is already facing a significant healthcare workforce shortage, potentially impacting patient care.
White emphasized the need to stabilize staffing levels, stating, “We have had a continual desire to bring on about 100 nurses for the last three years.” The American Hospital Association echoed these concerns in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, warning that the increased fees could force hospitals, especially those in rural and underserved communities, to reduce services. The administration clarified the fee applies to new applicants living abroad, but hospitals are hoping for a specific exemption for medical workers. A White House spokesperson defended the action, saying it was a “commonsense” reform to prevent companies from “driving down American wages.”
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented on the hospital association’s letter, and it remains unclear whether the administration will consider an exemption for healthcare personnel or if any exemptions will be capped. The White House has been contacted for further comment on the matter and whether they are considering any changes to the policy.
