Advocacy - Lab Advocate
On October 31, ADLM joined a broad coalition of laboratory, medical, and public health organizations in urging the Department of Homeland Security to grant a national interest exemption (NIE) for pathologists and laboratory professionals from the newly announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The coalition noted that these professionals are essential members of the patient care team and that persistent workforce shortages are placing patient access to critical diagnostic services at risk.
In the letter to Secretary Kristi Noem, the organizations highlighted that while recent clarifications exclude certain F-1 and J-1 visa holders already in the United States, the exemption does not meaningfully relieve the burden for the majority of pathologists and laboratory personnel who apply for H-1B status from abroad. The coalition emphasized that the United States is already experiencing significant staffing shortages—projected shortfalls of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, annual demand for 700–840 new pathologists, and more than 22,000 laboratory professional positions needed each year, far outpacing current training pipelines.
The letter underscores that the H-1B visa program plays a critical role in filling these gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas where shortages are most acute. Without exemption, many hospital, independent, forensic, and public health laboratories could face severe challenges in staffing essential roles, limiting patient access to timely and accurate diagnostic services.
ADLM is proud to stand with laboratory and medical partners to advocate for policies that support a stable, sustainable workforce capable of meeting the nation’s diagnostic needs.