Lawmakers Fight H-1B Fee Hike for Health Care Workers

0:00It's March 20th, here's your Dallas News in two minutes. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill called the Physicians and Health Care Workers Act to shield the health care industry from a huge, jump in H-1B visa fees from $5,000 to $100,000 per application. These visas, around since 1990, let U.S. hospitals hire top foreign talent like doctors and researchers to fill key shortages, especially. And under-served spots, advocates warn the steeper costs block rural hospitals from bringing in these skilled workers, many of whom speak multiple languages and boost patient care. The bill now heads to a congressional committee for review, but its chances of passing remain unclear amid broader immigration debates. This push highlights how vital international medical pros are to keeping America's health system running strong amid ongoing staffing gaps.