A bipartisan group of 100 US lawmakers has called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to exempt the health care sector from a newly introduced $100,000 fee on employers filing new H-1B visa petitions. They warned that the additional financial burden could worsen staffing shortages and restrict access to medical care across the country.
In a letter dated February 11, members of Congress expressed “deep concern” over the September 19 Presidential Proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” The order imposes a $100,000 fee on employers seeking new H-1B visas. However, it allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary to grant exemptions to specific sectors if deemed in the national interest and not harmful to US security or welfare.
Lawmakers urged DHS to create a health care exemption, arguing that the sector is already under severe strain. Citing data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), they noted that nearly 87 million Americans live in federally designated shortage areas lacking adequate medical professionals. They also highlighted projections showing that physician demand could outpace supply by up to 86,000 over the next decade. Additionally, clinical laboratory science programs are reportedly producing less than half the professionals required to meet national needs.
The letter emphasized that domestic hiring alone cannot address these gaps. Restricting access to international health care workers, lawmakers warned, would further weaken hospitals and research institutions—particularly those serving rural and underserved communities. Many international professionals contribute significantly not only to patient care but also to biomedical research.
“Health care organizations must be able to recruit staff in the most cost-effective manner so they can direct resources toward patient care,” the lawmakers wrote. They cautioned that rural hospitals and urban safety-net hospitals would be hit hardest by the $100,000 fee, potentially pushing already underfunded institutions closer to financial collapse.
The appeal was led by Representatives Yvette D. Clarke and Michael Lawler and signed by a broad bipartisan coalition in both the House and Senate, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Major health organizations, such as the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Greater New York Hospital Association, and the California Medical Association, have also backed the request.
The H-1B visa program enables US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields. Indian nationals receive the majority of H-1B approvals annually, many of whom work in technology, health care, and research sectors.
Debate over H-1B policies has intensified in recent years amid broader immigration restrictions and workforce challenges. Health care leaders continue to argue that international medical graduates and specialists are essential to maintaining services in rural and high-need communities across the United States.
Lavanya Tripathi Reacts to Criticism Over Chiranjeevi’s Remarks
Megastar Chiranjeevi has always been regarded as a guiding force in Tollywood, often stepping forward whenever the industry faces challenges. Over the years, he has earned immense respect not only as a legendary star but also as a responsible elder who extends support whenever needed. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Chiranjeevi has built a strong reputation through social service initiatives like the Blood Bank and Eye Bank, cementing his place as a socially responsible leader.
However, a recent comment by a journalist has sparked debate on social media.
It is known that Ram Charan and Upasana recently welcomed twins — a baby boy and a baby girl — on February 1, 2026. Chiranjeevi expressed his joy at a media interaction following the happy news. But a journalist brought up one of Chiranjeevi’s earlier remarks and posted a critical tweet, suggesting that there seemed to be more celebration for the birth of the baby boy compared to when Charan’s first daughter, Klin Kaara, was born.
Before making such remarks, many fans pointed out that context matters. In February 2025, at a public event, Chiranjeevi had jokingly said that he already had four granddaughters at home and felt like a “ladies’ hostel warden.” In a light-hearted tone, he added that it would be nice if Ram Charan had a boy to carry forward the family legacy, humorously saying he feared another girl might be born. Though clearly said in jest, a section of people had criticized him at the time.
Now, with the journalist’s recent tweet seen as a sarcastic reference to that old comment, Lavanya Tripathi strongly responded on behalf of the Mega family. As the daughter-in-law of the family — married to Varun Tej, son of Nagababu — Lavanya defended her father-in-law’s character and attempted to put an end to the negativity.
Fans appreciated her firm yet dignified response, saying she stood up for the family when unnecessary controversy was being created. Members and well-wishers of the Mega family have also expressed support for Lavanya, praising her for speaking out.
Lavanya reportedly made it clear that dragging old remarks to create controversy during a joyful family moment is inappropriate. She subtly warned against making baseless comments about the Mega or Allu families and emphasized that such negativity is unwarranted at a time of celebration.