The immigration policy promoted by the president donald trump is beginning to have a direct impact on the United States healthcare system. Immigrant doctors —many of them essential in vulnerable communities— today face a scenario of legal uncertainty that threatens to leave them out of their jobs.
According to a CNN report, thousands of health professionals from countries considered “high risk” by the administration are seeing their frozen immigration proceduresincluding visa applications, work permits and permanent residence. The effect is already beginning to be felt in hospitals, especially in rural areas, through a lack of non-public.
One of the cases is that of Al Ghoula, a doctor originally from Libya, who has dedicated years to training in the United States and currently works under a visa for people with “extraordinary abilities”. However, his permit expires in September and his future is uncertain. “I really trusted the system. I wanted to be part of this country, and now I feel like I’m not good enough“, said.
According to the Cato Institute, nearly 2 million immigration applications are being affected by these policies, including about 240,000 related to permanent residence. The lack of clear answers from the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has aggravated the situation.
Doctors play a predominant role
An agency spokesperson explained to the aforementioned media that suspension responds to safety concerns. “Verifying identities and backgrounds of people from certain countries requires a rigorous process,” said Matthew Tragesser, justifying the pause in resolutions. However, experts consider that the explanation is insufficient.
David J. Bieran analyst at the Cato Institute, criticized the lack of clarity: “They’re pretending they’ve done something meaningfulinstead of actually changing policy.”
The problem not only affects practicing doctors, but also those in training. Medical residency programs – key to hospital operations – largely depend on foreign professionals. In 2025, only 56% of international doctors managed to access a positioncompared to 93% of American graduates.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has already warned about the consequences. In a letter sent to federal authorities, he stressed that foreign-trained doctors “play a predominant role” in filling non-public shortages, especially in areas with high demand.
Stories like that of Iqbal, an Afghan doctor who Serves more than 1,600 patients a year in a rural community, they reflect the human impact of these decisions. “I have followed all the rules…and now there is no way to continue,” he lamented.
USCIS has mentioned the possibility of waivers
The case of the Venezuelan doctor Ezequiel Veliz shows the most immediate consequences. After losing her legal status, she was fired from her medical residency in Texas. “I have dedicated my life to medicine, and now it has been taken from me,” he said.
At the legal level, several doctors have begun to file lawsuits against the government. Lawyer Curtis Morrison, who represents a group of victims, described the situation as “a very dark limbo.” As he explained, forcing doctors to stop working not only affects their lives, but also the patients who depend on them.
Meanwhile, uncertainty persists. Although he USCIS has mentioned the possibility of waiversthe doctors consulted by the aforementioned media assure that these are not being granted in practice.
Experts warn that replacing these professionals will take years and that many could choose to emigrate to other countries like Canada.
“Each doctor is important… when one is missing, a domino effect is created,” warned a source close to health policy.
In the midst of this panorama, the American health system faces a new challenge: maintaining its operational capacity while immigration decisions redefine who can, and who cannot, practice medicine in the country.
Keep reading:
- HUD rule would leave thousands of immigrant families homeless
- ICE expands detention of legal refugees without Green Card
