ASA Joins National Medical Organizations Urging Exemption for Physicians from New H-1B Visa Policy and $100,000 Fee

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has joined more than 50 leading national medical organizations in urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to exempt physicians from the Administration’s recent proclamation imposing restrictions and a $100,000 application fee on H-1B visa applicants.

The coalition of physician groups called on Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to issue clarifying guidance that recognizes the entry of H-1B physicians as being in the national interest. The letter emphasizes that this exemption should apply to all physicians—including residents, fellows, researchers, and those in non-clinical roles—given their essential contributions to the U.S. health care system.

Currently, 23% of licensed U.S. physicians are internationally trained, and many serve in areas with high poverty and chronic disease rates. Nearly 21 million Americans live in regions where foreign-trained physicians make up at least half of the physician workforce.

ASA and its fellow signatories urge the Administration to waive the new H-1B application fee for physicians and to ensure that immigration policies support, rather than hinder, access to high-quality health care across the country.