H–1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act

Bill Number: H.R. 7961
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Immigration
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-17: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T08:05:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

H.R. 7961: H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act

Purpose

This bill aims to exempt certain foreign health care workers seeking H-1B visas (temporary work visas for specialty occupations like physicians) from a recent presidential restriction on entry into the U.S., making it easier for them to work in the healthcare field without paying an additional high fee.

Key Provisions

Exemption from entry restriction: Removes the bar on H-1B visa holders under the Presidential Proclamation "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" (dated September 19, 2025) for individuals employed or offered employment in the "health care workforce."
Health care workforce is defined in section 5101 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (covering roles like doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals).
No extra fees: Prohibits charging any fee beyond the standard H-1B visa fee under existing law (section 214(c)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Overrides a specific part of the 2025 Presidential Proclamation, which otherwise requires a $100,000 payment with H-1B petitions to allow entry.
Maintains standard H-1B fees for exempted health care workers, preventing new financial barriers.

Potential Impacts

Government agencies: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must process H-1B applications for health care workers without the proclamation's restrictions or extra fees, potentially increasing workload but streamlining approvals.
Citizens: Could improve access to healthcare by addressing shortages of medical professionals.
International relations: May encourage skilled foreign workers (e.g., from countries with healthcare expertise) to come to the U.S., affecting global talent flows.

Main Stakeholders

Health care workers: Foreign professionals (e.g., physicians) seeking H-1B visas for U.S. healthcare jobs.
Healthcare employers: Hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities that rely on H-1B workers.
U.S. government: USCIS/DHS for visa processing; Congress for overriding executive action.
Patients and public: Indirectly benefit from potential relief in healthcare staffing shortages.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Congress uses its authority under immigration law to modify a presidential proclamation, affirming legislative power over executive immigration restrictions.
Constitutional: No direct challenges noted, but highlights balance between executive (proclamations) and legislative (statutes) branches on immigration.
Political: Addresses healthcare workforce needs amid debates on immigration and high-skilled labor, introduced by bipartisan sponsors (Republicans and Democrats).

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Cosponsors (56)

Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5] and 6 more

Recent Actions

2026-03-17: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2026-03-17: Introduced in House
2026-03-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

H–1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (2 pages)