Murkowski's Bill Seeks H-1B Visa Fee Waiver for Alaska Schools

Anchorage story is making news on March 15, U.S.

Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska has introduced a bill to waive a $100,000 annual fee for public

schools hiring international, teachers on H-1B visas.

The fee stems from a Trump administration order last September aimed at protecting

American workers from being replaced by lower paid foreign labor.

Alaska schools, facing hundreds of teacher vacancies, say they cannot afford it without

cutting programs.

School administrators have been pushing lawmakers hard for relief as the cost forces tough

choices between fees and uncovered classrooms.

Earlier this year, Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan wrote to Homeland Security officials

urging waivers, but they were told exceptions are rare and only for extreme cases.

Meanwhile, state leaders are stepping up too.

A resolution in the Alaska legislature calls for federal waivers backed by both senators.

The state senate also passed one supporting these visas for essential services like education.

The push comes as rural districts struggle with other visa options like J-1 visas which

require road access and nearby hospitals that many Alaska.

Communities lack.

Hiring takes three to four months, so the bill needs action by May for fall staffing.

Experts worry the teacher shortage will worsen without a fix, leaving more classrooms

empty as districts scramble for staff.

Murkowski's team is pursuing both legislation and talks with the new department head after

recent changes.

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