World Immigration News

States with Healthcare Shortages Turn to Foreign-Trained Doctors, Showing Bipartisan Immigration Policies Benefit All

Release Date: 2025-03-11
Media: Immigration Impact
Summary: In the U.S., a rare area of bipartisan agreement has emerged on expanding licensure pathways for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), physicians trained outside the country. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the chronic shortage of qualified physicians, and many states began taking emergency measures to allow IMGs to contribute to healthcare. These temporary actions led to permanent policy changes, simplifying the certification process for IMGs and allowing them to support the healthcare system.

Since 2020, states have passed various policies to facilitate IMG licensure, including clinical readiness programs and provisional licenses. In 2025, over 20 bills supporting IMG integration were introduced across states, with bipartisan backing. These policies are improving healthcare access and workforce availability.

In addition to state efforts, federal legislation such as the International Medical Graduate Assistance Act aims to address barriers like residency shortages and high re-licensing costs. These policies are modernizing IMG integration, demonstrating that investing in immigrant talent strengthens the healthcare workforce and benefits all Americans.
Tags: USA

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