World Immigration News

The US already faces a health care workforce shortage – immigration policy could make it worse

Release Date: 2025-12-17
Media: The Conversation
Summary: Immigrants play a vital role in the U.S. health care system, yet increasingly restrictive immigration policies risk undermining future access to medical care. As the population ages and chronic illnesses rise, demand for health services is growing rapidly, while the domestic workforce is not expanding fast enough to keep pace. The United States is projected to face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, alongside major staffing needs in nursing and long-term care.

For decades, immigrant workers have helped fill these gaps. Nationwide, about 18% of the health care workforce is foreign-born, including roughly one in four physicians and one in three home health aides. Their contribution is especially critical in understaffed hospitals, rural clinics, nursing homes, and home care settings, and in many states and cities immigrants make up a large share—sometimes the majority—of health care workers.

However, policies such as higher visa fees, stricter eligibility requirements, and tougher enforcement measures are making it harder to recruit and retain these workers. At the same time, the pipeline of future professionals is at risk, as international student enrollment in health-related fields is declining amid visa uncertainty. Because training new medical professionals takes many years, reduced immigration today could lead to severe workforce shortages in the coming decade.

The consequences of these shortages would be felt directly by patients, not as abstract statistics but as delayed appointments, reduced access to home care, and increased health risks—particularly for older adults, rural communities, and vulnerable populations. The article concludes that aligning immigration policy with the realities of health care workforce needs is essential to avoid further strain and ensure timely, reliable care for Americans in the years ahead.
Tags: United States of America

News Articles including "United States of America"

Released on

Article Title