(Reuters) -The American Medical Association and 53 leading medical societies have urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to exempt physicians from the newly announced $100,000 H-1B visa application fee, the groups said on Thursday.

In a letter to the DHS, the groups urged the agency to issue guidance exempting physicians, residents and fellows from the proposed fee, arguing they are essential to sustaining a robust healthcare workforce in the country.

The American Medical Association said it is eager to collaborate with the administration to safeguard patient access to care.