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GEORGIA (WALB) - Congressmen Sanford D. Bishop Jr. and other lawmakers introduced the H-1Bs for Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act, aiming to ease staffing challenges across the U.S. healthcare system, Tuesday, March 17.

The U.S. relies on H-1B visas to bring in doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where nearly 87 million Americans live in communities that lack enough healthcare providers.

The bipartisan legislation would exempt these healthcare workers from a $100,000 visa fee and block any additional charges beyond what current law allows.

“The $100,000 H-1B filing fee adds insult to injury to hospitals, especially in rural areas. The fee will have a detrimental impact on their ability to recruit qualified healthcare professionals to some of the nation’s most underserved areas.”

The bill has broad support from major medical organizations, including:

• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Hospital Association (AHA)
• American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)

These groups say the legislation will help keep hospitals and clinics staffed and ensure patients continue to receive care.

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