Lawmakers ask Congress to help foreign doctors and nurses

The health sector is overstretched and exhausted due to the alarming health crisis caused by the Coronavirus.

The US is one of the main epicenters of the massive COVID-19 outbreak, and health workers have had to fight very hard to counter the impact of the pandemic and save as many lives as possible.

However, despite their unstoppable efforts, the American healthcare system is currently collapsed.

Other than that, thousands of doctors and nurses fear deportation for failing to renew their work permits and legal residence in the US on time.

It is well known that US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) offices remain closed during the pandemic and will resume their face-to-face services in June 2020.

Therefore, healthcare workers who are the front line in the battle against COVID-19, are also concerned about their legal immigration status.

This has been a controversial issue for the past few weeks among communities of immigrant rights advocates and lawmakers.

They asked the Congress to offer the Green Cards available to foreign doctors and nurses who are handling the current crisis.

Lawmakers ask for Green Cards for foreign doctors

The current immigration system has many regulations and it is more difficult to renew work of residence permits.

Additionally, with the suspension of USCIS face-to-face services, the waiting time for immigration applications is longer than before.

Therefore, several US legislators requested permanent legal residence or Green Card for health workers during the current health crisis.

Why do they ask for that?

The US Congress approves a certain number of Green Cards annually to be issued for immigrants who meet all the requirements to apply for permanent residence.

However, in recent years, not all of these Green Cards have been used.

What lawmakers are requesting is to use those available Green Cards to protect foreign doctors and nurses.

There are approximately 25,000 permits available for nurses and 15,000 for doctors.

They declare that if these doctors were able to help tirelessly during this unprecedented crisis, it would be an honor to keep them in the US.

In addition to that, it is not the appropriate time to deport any health worker since the health system is already saturated and needs foreign help to overcome the situation.

Foreign doctors and nurses play a key role and are essential to survive the massive COVID-19 outbreak in North American territories.

The congress’ response

The Congress has not given an official response to this request yet, but more lawmakers around the country are joining the cause and that creates pressure for its approval.

All foreign workers deserve an opportunity to legally reside in the US. They constantly help to boost the economy, and entrepreneurship is their main badge.

The country has benefited greatly from the work of foreigners and what they contribute to the socio-economic development of the most disadvantaged communities.

If you have any questions about business immigration or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.