H-1B visas: AAPI chief demands fast-track green cards for Indian physicians in the U.S.

AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula urges next White House administration to prioritize healthcare access, immigration reforms, and green cards.

As the U.S. gears to elect a new President in a month, the head of a leading organisation for Indian-origin physicians has called for the next administration to prioritise immigration and healthcare reforms and fast-track green cards for medical professionals from India.

President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Dr Satheesh Kathula told PTI in an exclusive interview that healthcare access for all people, immigration and visa issues, technology in medicine, diversity and anti-discrimination are some of the issues that should be given priority by the next White House administration.

Founded in 1982, AAPI is the largest ethnic medical organisation representing the interests of over 1,20,000 physicians of Indian origin in the U.S. Dr. Kathula highlighted that there are many physicians who are still on H-1B work visas even after staying in the U.S. for over 15-20 years.

“We have to fast track their green cards to ensure they can live in the U.S. and continue their work without worrying about their visa status," he said, noting that many of these physicians are serving in very underserved areas across the country.

There are thousands of physicians on the H-1B work visa who are serving in places where local doctors don't want to go, he added.

“If they really leave, then the whole healthcare system collapses in some towns. So that's why we have to really fast-track green cards and prioritise this. Any government that takes over, this is very important,” he said.

He lamented that physicians are pooled with other H-1B visa holders, including those in fields such as technology.