Rep. Sykes Calls on DHS to Reverse Policy Threatening Health Care Workforce

Rep. Sykes Calls on DHS to Reverse Policy Threatening Health Care Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) led members of the New Democrat Coalition and other members of Congress, in calling on the Department of Homeland Security to exempt health care workers from a new H-1B visa fee that is now in effect and already placing added strain on hospitals and health care providers.

A September 19, 2025 proclamation implemented a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions, a dramatic increase that health care leaders warn will worsen workforce shortages, raise costs, and reduce access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The United States is already facing critical shortages of physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers, and other medical professionals.

Local leaders, including pediatricians from Akron Children's Hospital, say the fee is already making it harder to recruit and retain doctors, especially in pediatric and specialty care. Providers note that rural communities are particularly vulnerable due to limited infrastructure, transportation challenges, and fewer local medical professionals. The added cost and uncertainty for employers threatens innovation, research, and the quality of patient care across the region.

"As Members of Congress, access to health care is one of our top priorities," the members wrote. "The Proclamation issued September 19, 2025, poses a serious threat to the healthcare workforce in our districts. Fewer healthcare workers means higher costs, longer wait times, and greater distance traveled for our constituents to access the care they need. We urge the administration to prevent any disruptions in access to care and exempt health care professionals from these fees."

"The current H-1B fee is cost prohibitive and will exponentially magnify our workforce shortage in the coming years," said Dr. Shefali Mahesh, Pediatrician in Chief at Akron Children's Hospital. "This will force children's hospitals to consolidate services and reduce access to the most vulnerable. It would be in the best interest of U.S. children to provide an exemption to the H-1B fees for health care professionals."

In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers urged the administration to act quickly to exempt health care professionals from the new fee and prevent further disruptions to patient care nationwide.

The full letter can be read here.