US President Donald Trump’s ban on work visas caused a shortage of doctors in hospitals across the United States. Point to be noted that the cases of coronavirus are still surging in the country. A report of ProPublica has indicated the change in immigration rules and its inconsistent implementation has led to a shortage of foreign medical residents. The 22nd June announcement by President Donald Trump stopped the issuance of work visas and meant that many foreign doctors are unable to travel to the US to start their residencies. The immigration order included H1-B visas for highly-skilled workers which are often used by doctors that get a residency at a US medical facility.
It is noteworthy that most use of a J-1 visa doesn’t cover the ban. Moreover, the order waived the new rules for those providing medical care to Covid-19 patients, guidance on implementation from the state department and department of homeland security has been slow to filter through to consulates and embassies around the world. Most visa applications sit in an administrative hold and much needed qualified medical professionals have found themselves in limbo. A delay of just a couple of weeks before doctors arrive from abroad can create issues inadequate staffing of a hospital. As 3rd-year residents move on, large gaps are opening up in hospitals and junior residents having to cover many extra shifts and work longer hours.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that in 2017 there were approximately 2,500 medical residents on H1-B visas. This number is thought to have fallen during the Trump administration. Each resident can be responsible for thousands of patients. They are often concentrated in less prestigious hospitals. Complicating matters further is that those residents on H1-B visas currently in the United States face uncertainty as to whether they would be allowed to return if they leave. The state department informed the outlet that it was working with the DHS and other partners in implementing procedures. Visa approvals have now started to work through the system and several doctors said that after receiving initial rejections their applications are moving forward.