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Trump Halts Visa Renewals for Foreign Doctors, Deepening Shortage

5/9/2026

Center

Trump Halts Doctor Visas

President Donald Trump issued a “hold and review” order halting visa renewals for foreign-born physicians, leaving many on unpaid leave.
Foreign-born doctors in Philadelphia, the Midwest and New York have pending visa renewals and cannot work.
USCIS will continue processing physician applications with expanded background checks, biometric screening and social-media review.
Hospitals warn delays may block residency and fellowship slots needed for 113,000-physician shortage by 2028.

Left

Libyan Doctor Waits

Libyan pulmonologist Dr. Faysal Alghoula, serving about 1,000 rural Indiana patients, still waits for green-card renewal despite new physician exemption.
Law firms filed national-origin discrimination lawsuits for physicians, prompting judges to grant injunctions ordering immigration officials to review their cases.
The pause has left thousands of legal residents unable to work or obtain health insurance.
Iranian scientists cite strain, reliance on friends for rent, and fear returning home amid conflict.

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Trump Halts Doctor Visas

President Donald Trump issued a “hold and review” order halting visa renewals for foreign-born physicians, leaving many on unpaid leave.
Foreign-born doctors in Philadelphia, the Midwest and New York have pending visa renewals and cannot work.
USCIS will continue processing physician applications with expanded background checks, biometric screening and social-media review.
Hospitals warn delays may block residency and fellowship slots needed for 113,000-physician shortage by 2028.

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