The American College of Radiology (ACR) has joined dozens of physician and patient advocacy organizations in a letter to federal agencies opposing a proposed rule that would impose a new $103,265 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions.
The coalition warned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that the proposed fee could make it harder for hospitals, physician practices and other healthcare employers to recruit international physicians, particularly in rural and underserved communities, ACR said. In the letter, the groups argued that additional immigration-related costs and administrative barriers could further strain the healthcare workforce and reduce patient access to care.
International medical graduates currently comprise 11% of all U.S. graduate medical education diagnostic radiology trainees and 12% of the active practicing radiologist workforce, according to a recent report.
