U.S. Immigrant Integration Policy in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a critical shortage of medical personnel in the United States. Yet, there is an untapped pool of an estimated 263,000 immigrant physicians, nurses, and health-care technicians who are not using their training in the United States. This essay provides a brief explanation of the factors that result in underutilization of immigrants' skills. Connecting theory with practice, it then proposes potential policy solutions to the shortage of medical personnel through strategic immigration initiatives.