U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., has introduced legislation to end the H-1B visa program.
Eight notes:
1. The Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to end the H-1B program, which allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specific occupations, including educators and healthcare workers.
2. Rep. Steube said in a Feb. 9 news release that the H-1B visa program has disadvantaged U.S. employees through the prevention of physicians accessing residency programs and the displacement and layoffs of employees working for various companies.
3. The dental industry benefits from the H-1B visa program through the employment of foreign dental professionals at U.S.-based dental schools, clinics and other practices.
4. The bill’s introduction comes after the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application in September, up from the $3,500 fee previously required of employers.
5. Although the White House has previously indicated it could consider exemptions for certain healthcare workers if their hiring is deemed in the “national interest,” there have been no public reports of such exemptions being made.
6. While seeking clarification on the new fees, the ADA said in October that 13% of dental faculty in the U.S. received their dental degree outside the country.
7. Six percent of dental faculty identified as nonresident aliens in 2022, according to a survey by the American Dental Education Association. However, that percentage could be higher due to nearly 25% of respondents not disclosing their legal status.
8. Other healthcare groups spoke out against the imposed fees last year, warning that such requirements could exacerbate workforce shortages and reduce access to care in underserved areas.
