Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm Partner Colleen F. Molner was recently interviewed and quoted by The Washington Post in an article examining the new $100,00 H-1B visa fee and its effect on rural hospitals and underserved communities.
In the piece titled “Rural America relies on foreign doctors. Trump’s visa fee shuts them out,” Molner shared insights on the burden that the fee places on rural healthcare providers, many of whom rely on international medical graduates to fill physician shortages.
“It’s definitely having a chilling effect,” Molner told the Washington Post about the $100,000 fee.
The piece also highlights specific examples of foreign doctors who have been impacted by the new fee, some of whom have been unable to start work in the United States and are represented by Molner.
“Molner … said Trump’s proclamation and the guidance that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued for it are vague on exemptions.” The Washington Post story read. “She is arguing that several of her clients qualify for exemptions based on the shortages of health care professionals in their communities, while other companies are pausing their sponsorships.”
As the head of Garfinkel Immigration’s Healthcare Specialty Practice Group, Molner regularly advises hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems on navigating complex visa pathways, including the H-1B, Conrad 30 Waiver, and Physician National Interest Waiver (PNIW) programs.
Molner is certified as a Specialist in Immigration Law by the North Carolina State Bar, the highest level of specialization attainable in the state. She was recognized as a 2025 Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award winner, and has also recently been honored by Lexology Index, Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Super Lawyers, and more.
Molner has more than a decade long track record advising local, regional, national and international healthcare providers as well as businesses in other industries, including in the automotive, engineering, information technology and manufacturing sectors.
Further, Molner is an active member and volunteer in the Mecklenburg Bar Association and 26th Judicial District Bar. She is regularly invited to and serves as a speaker/panelist at regional and international conferences and consistently publishes thought leadership content. She is also actively committed to and recognized for pro bono work and advocacy.
With 10 attorneys — five of whom are certified as Specialists in Immigration Law by the North Carolina State Bar — and more than 35 experienced paralegals and administrative personnel, Garfinkel Immigration is one of the largest law firms in the Southeast United States dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration law.
In its 29th year, Garfinkel Immigration represents Fortune 100 companies and businesses of all sizes in the U.S and across the world. The Firm has consistently been honored by Best Law Firms® and with a top-level Band 1 designation in the prestigious Chambers USA’s Immigration in North Carolina Legal Rankings.
Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm, a WBENC certified, majority-owned women’s business, builds strong relationships with its clients based on trust and performance, leveraging creative approaches and industry-leading expertise to provide insight and legal advice. The Firm’s top priority is providing high quality legal service to the businesses and individuals it serves.
In addition to its legal expertise, Garfinkel is known for its responsiveness and emphasis on excellence, as well as its deep commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Full story from the Washington Post: Rural America relies on foreign doctors. Trump’s visa fee shuts them out.