US Administration Grants Partial Exemption for Doctors on Immigration Applications

Kathmandu. The US administration has granted a partial exemption for doctors from the immigration application hold imposed on citizens of high-risk countries. 

This increases the possibility of foreign doctors' visa or green card renewal process moving forward. The US administration had been holding back the review of green card and visa applications of citizens from 39 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela, since last year. 

This year, some applications of citizens from more than 75 additional countries have also been stopped. The administration has linked this to national security, stating that strict checks are necessary.

Medical associations and immigration lawyers had been demanding an exemption, citing a shortage of doctors in the US and the fact that foreign-trained doctors are working, especially in rural and underserved areas. 

Following this, the administration decided to bring doctors back into the review process. However, this exemption does not guarantee that applications will be approved. It is still unclear whether applications will be processed on time. 

Meanwhile, the hold still applies to thousands of other immigrants. They are in a situation where they cannot work, get health insurance, or obtain a driver's license. There is also fear of not being able to re-enter the country if they leave. 

Iranian doctor Dr. Zahra Shokri Varniyab had filed a lawsuit in court after her application was stalled. Although her application was reviewed after the court's order, it was ultimately rejected. 

She suspects that this decision came about because she filed a lawsuit. Another Iranian researcher, Kaveh Javanshirjavid, stated that he could not start his job due to not receiving employment authorization. "My whole life has stopped," he said.