100 US Lawmakers Urge DHS to Exempt Healthcare from New H-1B Visa Fee
A bipartisan group of 100 US lawmakers has sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging an exemption for the healthcare sector from a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The lawmakers argue the fee, imposed by a September 2025 presidential proclamation, will worsen critical healthcare staffing shortages nationwide.
Key Highlights
- 100 US lawmakers advocate for H-1B visa fee exemption for healthcare.
- Letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on February 11, 2026.
- Aims to counter a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions.
- Lawmakers cite national interest and worsening healthcare shortages.
- This initiative follows proposals like the EXILE Act to end H-1B.
- H-1B visas are crucial for Indian professionals in the US healthcare.
A significant bipartisan group of 100 United States lawmakers has formally appealed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, urging her to exempt the healthcare sector from a recently imposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions. The letter, dated February 11, 2026, highlights profound concerns about the potential negative impact of this fee on the already strained US healthcare system, which heavily relies on foreign professionals.
Kristi Noem, who assumed office as the 8th United States Secretary of Homeland Security on January 25, 2025, in the second administration of President Donald Trump, is the direct recipient of this plea from members of Congress. The controversial $100,000 fee was introduced via a Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, titled 'Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.' This proclamation mandates the substantial payment for employers filing new H-1B visa petitions, with the exception of those for whom the DHS Secretary grants a sector-wide exemption if it is deemed 'in the national interest and does not pose a threat to the security or welfare of the United States.'
The lawmakers' letter, led by New York Representatives Yvette D. Clarke and Michael Lawler, asserts that the healthcare sector unequivocally meets the criteria for such an exemption. They emphasize that the US is currently grappling with widespread and critical shortages of healthcare professionals, including doctors, advanced practice professionals, clinical laboratory workers, and researchers. Federal data cited in their letter indicates that nearly 87 million Americans reside in areas designated as lacking sufficient medical professionals, and physician demand could exceed supply by up to 86,000 within the next decade.
The congressmen and women argue that these staffing gaps cannot be adequately filled by the domestic workforce alone, and the imposition of a hefty $100,000 fee would exacerbate existing challenges, particularly for rural hospitals and urban safety-net facilities. These institutions, often chronically underfunded, depend significantly on the H-1B visa program to maintain adequate staffing levels and provide comprehensive services in high-need areas. The letter warns that without relief, critically needed positions will remain unfilled, further diminishing access to care for millions of Americans.
The H-1B visa program is a non-immigrant work visa category that allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty. Indian nationals constitute the largest proportion of H-1B visa recipients annually, with many securing positions in the technology, healthcare, and research sectors. Consequently, policy changes affecting the H-1B program have a direct and significant impact on professionals from India and their aspirations to work in the US.
This concerted effort by 100 lawmakers to seek an H-1B fee exemption for healthcare comes amidst a broader and often contentious debate over US immigration policy, particularly concerning high-skilled worker visas. Related articles highlight legislative proposals such as the 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions Act' (EXILE Act), introduced by Republican Representative Greg Steube, which seeks to terminate the entire H-1B visa program. The bipartisan letter to Secretary Noem thus represents a counter-movement, advocating for the continued availability and accessibility of H-1B visas, at least for critical sectors like healthcare, against efforts to restrict or eliminate the program. The American Hospital Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges are among the major health organizations backing this push for an exemption.
The outcome of this request to Secretary Noem will be closely watched by healthcare providers in the US and by international professionals, particularly those from India, who are essential to filling vital roles within the American healthcare system. The administration's decision will determine whether a significant financial barrier remains for employers seeking to bring in skilled foreign healthcare workers, directly influencing access to care for communities across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kristi Noem and what is her current role?
Kristi Noem is the 8th United States Secretary of Homeland Security, having been sworn into office on January 25, 2025, as part of President Donald Trump's second administration. Prior to this, she served as the Governor of South Dakota.
What is the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, and when was it implemented?
A new $100,000 fee was imposed on employers filing new H-1B visa petitions by a Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025. This fee is part of broader restrictions on certain nonimmigrant workers.
Why are 100 US lawmakers requesting an H-1B fee exemption for the healthcare sector?
The lawmakers are concerned that the $100,000 fee will worsen existing, severe staffing shortages across the US healthcare system. They argue that the healthcare sector qualifies for a 'national interest' exemption permitted under the presidential proclamation due to its critical need for skilled foreign workers.
How does this H-1B visa development impact Indian professionals?
Indian professionals are the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visas, particularly in healthcare and technology. The proposed exemption, if granted, would alleviate a significant financial barrier for employers, potentially making it easier for Indian healthcare professionals to secure H-1B visas and work in the US.
What is the context of this letter amid other H-1B visa discussions?
This letter advocating for H-1B relief in the healthcare sector comes shortly after legislative proposals, such as the EXILE Act, were introduced to potentially end the entire H-1B visa program. This highlights the ongoing and often conflicting debates surrounding US immigration policy for skilled workers.
