U.S. to Lose Thousands of Healthcare Workers If 'Dreamers' Must Leave

If the U.S. Supreme Court decides to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, thousands of healthcare workers could be deported for being undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, reports the Washington Post . The Center for American Progress said about 27,000 DACA enrollees or "dreamers" are employed as healthcare providers and support professionals, and another 200 are in medical school or in residencies. Solicitor General Noel Francisco recently told the Supreme Court that the Trump administration supports DACA's termination regardless of its legality, "arguing that the program is flawed and could not be defended against challenges from states that want to end it." Meanwhile, healthcare jobs, especially those involving senior care, are forecast to expand exponentially as baby boomers age. "Our healthcare workforce, including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and home health aides, is bolstered by providers with DACA status," wrote American Medical Association President Patrice Harris. "During their careers, these providers will care for and improve the lives of millions of Americans."