How could immigration limits affect access to medical care?
As much more restrictive immigration rules take shape—including tougher visa requirements and limitations on immigration pathways—it will become harder for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to enter, train, and practice in the US. Since IMGs comprise nearly 25% of licensed U.S. doctors and a disproportionately high share of physicians in underserved areas, their reduced entry will likely exacerbate the existing and projected physician shortages across various specialties and geographical areas. Additionally, because many entry-level and allied health workers originate from immigrant populations, a tightly closed border could also suppress the pipeline of critical healthcare support workers.
For these predicted impacts and more, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that this administration’s immigration policy has the most implications for US healthcare than any other policies or actions related to health.
