Dive Brief:
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The American Medical Association (AMA) criticized an updated executive order on immigration that could prevent medical students from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Syria from attending residency programs in the United States.
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The order signed by President Donald Trump bars citizens of targeted countries from receiving — for at least 90 days — J-1 visas typically issued to medical students who receive training in the United States.
- Fast-track processing of H1-B visas has also been suspended by the order, which could make it more difficult for healthcare organizations to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations,” St. Louis Public Radio reported.
Dive Insight:
Critics reacted strongly when Trump issued an order several weeks ago placing strict restrictions on travel from certain countries. The initial order was struck down in court, but Trump signed a new slimmed-down version this week that is still drawing heat from critics in healthcare.
The National Resident Matching Program will announce placements next week, but hundreds of medical students from targeted countries will be left in limbo. The immigration order allows for exceptions on a case-by-case basis, but does not include details. It seems unlikely that affected students will be unable to receive clearance to travel to the United States by the time residency programs begin in June and July.
Critics argue the immigration order could make a growing doctor shortage even worse. Although individuals with current authorization to work or study in the United States are not affected, doctors from the targeted countries provide 2.3 million appointments annually in locations most affected by doctor shortages, according to the Immigrant Doctor Project.
Trump's agenda could have unintended effects in healthcare as demonstrated by the immigration order. Other action will have downstream effects, as well. For instance, a move to scale back regulations has been applauded by the industry, but could face pushback from consumer groups focused on safety and transparency. A proposed 20% tax on imports from Mexico could apply to more than $5 billion in medical supply purchases made annually.
Healthcare tends not to like change. However, if the first few months of the Trump administration are any indication, there may be a lot more to come in the next few years.