AAMC Joins Letter Urging DHS and State Department to Address Visa Delays

The AAMC joined 23 physician organizations in an April 8 letter sent to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio, urging National Interest Exceptions and expedited processing for physicians, researchers, and medical trainees, who are experiencing barriers entering or remaining lawfully in the United States to continue their training and practice.   

The letter emphasizes the impact of State Department delays in consular visa processing and domestic United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicative holds that went into effect in January following the suspension of visa and work permit processing for citizens from 39 travel ban countries. The letter also provides context for the barriers and unintended consequences that these policies have on the U.S. health care system, patients, health workforce, and health policy goals. It further outlines potential solutions, including the establishment of a formal medical national interest exception to the USCIS adjudications and consular visa processing, implementation of expedited Department of State and DHS processing for consular visa processing for physician cases, issuance of clear written guidance to adjudicators and consular officers, and improved transparency and communication for impacted cases.