Foreign doctors from 39 countries, including Nigeria, Venezuela, and Iran, are facing job losses and visa issues due to a Trump administration immigration policy, exacerbating an existing physician shortage in the U.S., particularly in rural and underserved areas.
As of April 4, 2026, an immigration policy enacted by the Trump administration in January has significantly impacted the ability of foreign physicians to practice in the United States. This policy froze visa extensions, work permits, and green cards for individuals from 39 designated countries, including those with Palestinian Authority travel documents. The repercussions of this decision are particularly acute in rural areas, which already suffer from a shortage of medical professionals, and among communities with large populations of elderly patients grappling with chronic health conditions.
Physicians from various nations have reported being forced out of their roles due to the policy. For instance, a Nigerian doctor who performed critical knee and hip replacement surgeries at a New York teaching hospital has been sidelined after the government failed to renew his work permit, jeopardizing his future employment opportunities. Similarly, a Venezuelan doctor known for treating diabetes and hypertension in rural Texas has been rendered unable to continue his practice, while an Iranian ophthalmologist has been unable to perform surgeries in Arkansas. These stories reflect a broader trend impacting healthcare delivery across the country.
Policy Context and Implications
The policy, rooted in a December travel ban, is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls, which has included increased scrutiny of visa applications, a reduction in refugee admissions, and the detention of undocumented immigrants. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. currently faces a deficit of approximately 65,000 physicians, a shortfall that is expected to worsen in the coming decade as the population ages and many medical professionals retire.
Foreign-trained doctors make up approximately 25% of the medical workforce in the United States, many of whom have successfully completed rigorous training and background checks. However, the recent immigration policy has left many of these physicians in limbo. A review by The New York Times revealed that over 100 doctors have been affected, with many fearing retribution if they speak out about their circumstances.
Andrew Wizner, a lawyer who represents medical institutions employing foreign doctors, expressed concern over the implications of the policy, stating, “This was a big swipe at immigration without regard for particular categories of immigrants, like physicians, who are desperately needed.” In a statement responding to inquiries, the Department of Homeland Security indicated that the hold on cases involving immigrants from “high-risk countries” was implemented to enhance vetting and screening protocols.
Impact on Patient Care
The consequences of the immigration policy have already begun to manifest in tangible ways. The removal of foreign physicians from the workforce has led to reduced patient care capacity and increased strain on healthcare systems. For instance, Dr. Ezequiel Veliz, a family physician from Venezuela recognized as Resident of the Year at UT Health, Rio Grande Valley, has been unable to work for months due to his immigration status, leaving many of his patients without access to necessary care. His former supervisor, Jose Cano, emphasized Dr. Veliz’s commitment to patient care and the adverse effects of his absence.
Similarly, Dr. Faysal Alghoula, a pulmonologist from Libya, serves a significant patient population in rural Indiana but faces uncertainty as his O-1 visa nears expiration. Despite having a green card application pending, he is concerned about his ability to continue working. Dr. Alghoula noted the challenges he faces in making life decisions amid the uncertainty surrounding his immigration status, stating, “My life is suspended.”
Healthcare advocates have called for an exemption from the policy for medical professionals, citing the national interest and the potential harm to patient care. In a letter addressed to the secretaries of Homeland Security and State, John Whyte, CEO of the American Medical Association, highlighted the need to facilitate pathways for foreign physicians to practice in the U.S., particularly in light of the healthcare crises affecting rural areas.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. healthcare system is already under significant strain, with a projected shortfall of medical professionals anticipated to escalate in the coming years. As American medical schools fail to produce enough graduates to fill the available residency positions—41,000 slots compared to only 32,000 applicants from U.S. medical schools—foreign physicians have become essential to meeting healthcare demands. Over 60% of these international medical graduates practice primary care, including family medicine and pediatrics, fields often overlooked by U.S. graduates due to demanding workloads and lower compensation.
David Koester, vice president of Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida, noted that half of the physicians at his facility are foreign-born, underlining the critical role these professionals play in serving the community. “We would be hamstrung if they were not able to work or we were not able to recruit new ones,” he remarked, emphasizing the potential consequences for patient care and emergency room capacities.
As the immigration policy continues to evolve, the future of many foreign physicians remains uncertain, raising questions about the sustainability of the U.S. healthcare system and access to care for millions of Americans.
