In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I sit down with immigration attorney and former leader of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Sarah Peterson, to break down the rapidly evolving U.S. immigration landscape and its profound impact on healthcare. With over 600 policy changes introduced in a short period, international medical graduates (IMGs), who make up nearly 25% of the U.S. physician workforce, are facing unprecedented uncertainty.
From visa adjudication pauses to staggering new fees and executive orders targeting specific countries, these policies are leaving many physicians in legal limbo, unable to work, renew visas, or progress toward permanent residency.
In this conversation, we explore:
- What the latest immigration policies actually mean in practical terms
- How visa and green card processing delays are affecting physicians already in the U.S.
- The ripple effects on underserved communities and healthcare access - Real-world stories of physicians caught in the system
- The controversial $100,000 H-1B fee and its implications for hospitals
- Why these policies could worsen the U.S. physician shortage
- What advocacy groups and institutions are doing and what comes next
This episode highlights a critical and underreported issue at the intersection of immigration policy and patient care.
As July approaches, the consequences could be felt across hospitals, clinics, and communities nationwide.
🎧 Whether you're a physician, policymaker, or simply interested in healthcare systems, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
#ImmigrationPolicy #IMGs #HealthcareCrisis #PhysicianShortage #MedicalEducation #J1Visa #H1B #USHealthcare #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #MedEd #HealthcarePolicy #Doctors #subscribe
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