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Crucial or Unnecessary? English Language Examinations for Internationally Educated Nurses
Trevor Shealy |
The United States faces a significant shortage of registered nurses (RNs) due to high turnover, rising demand for health care, and the lingering systemwide toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without effective policies and programs in place, the projected shortage for 2030 is 63,720 RNs. Not only do nursing shortfalls result in longer patient wait times for health […]
Colorado’s Office of New Americans Is Elevating Immigrant Inclusion in State Government
Ngoc Nguyen and Trevor Shealy |
In June 2021, Colorado’s General Assembly took a vital step forward by passing HB21-1150 with bipartisan support, creating the Colorado Office of New Americans (ONA). In creating the office, the state recognized the importance of the social and economic inclusion of its immigrant population, which comprises nearly 10 percent of the state’s population. Leveraging the […]
How a New York Bill Would Allow Internationally Trained Physicians to Practice
Ngoc Nguyen |
In 2009, Dr. Islam moved to New York City from Bangladesh. Straightaway, he was struck by the lack of opportunities to work in medicine or in a health care role that made use of his skills and experience. Despite graduating from one of the top medical schools in Bangladesh and working there as a physician, he became […]
Recently Introduced Federal Legislation Could Alleviate Health Care Shortages While Addressing Immigrant and Refugee Underemployment
Fatima Sanz |
Communities across the United States are facing severe health workforce shortages. The American Hospital Association (AHA) predicts a “shortage of up to 3.2 million health care workers by 2026.” While the shortages will be felt across all health-related occupations, the AHA projects a shortfall of up to 124,000 physicians by 2033, and the health care […]
The IMPRINT Coalition Submits Recommendations to White House Task Force on New Americans
Fatima Sanz |
Last week, the IMPRINT Coalition submitted a set of policy recommendations to the White House Task Force on New Americans to support the workforce inclusion of internationally trained immigrants and refugees. The IMPRINT Coalition comprises 29 member organizations from across the U.S.—including service providers, advocates, and educational institutions—that are committed to increasing access to economic […]
Driving Systemic Change: New Oregon Bill Would Open Pathway to Practice for Internationally Trained Immigrants
Ngoc Nguyen |
Forced to flee Myanmar because of political persecution, Win Mar Lar Kyin eventually resettled in Oregon, leaving her family behind. Since then systemic barriers, including the lack of recognition of international credentials, have prevented Win from resuming her career as a primary care physician—despite having 12 years of experience practicing medicine in Myanmar. “With my […]
How to Create a Newcomer-Inclusive Budget
Newcomers — including immigrants, refugees, refugee claimants, international students, work permit holders, and undocumented persons — contribute significantly to Ontario’s economic, social, and cultural prosperity. The province hosts close to 50 percent of all newcomers to Canada. Newcomers bring work experience and skills, new perspectives, and ethnic and linguistic diversity. Despite barriers to entering the […]
Advancing the Economic Inclusion of Immigrants and Refugees: State Policy Priorities for 2023
Natalie Torres |
As 2023 state legislative sessions begin across the United States, policymakers have the opportunity to promote economic inclusion and open career pathways for immigrants and refugees. Immigrants and refugees have education, credentials, and experience that could help meet immediate workforce needs and bolster the nation’s long-term economic vitality. Policy reforms that ensure an inclusive workforce […]
Will Just-in-Time Immigration Policy Changes Meet Canada’s Needs?
Guliz Akkaymak |
In 2022, the job vacancy rate surged to a new record – one million jobs went unfilled. Meanwhile our population continues to age, and the workforce is shrinking. Labour and skills shortages are growing more acute in every sector. Policymakers are looking to increase immigration intake levels alongside streamlined measures to get more newcomers into […]
Historic Bipartisan Legislation Poised to Advance Workforce Inclusion
Fatima Sanz |
[An earlier version of this blogpost was published on October 10, 2022.] When Lubab Al-Quarishi was forced to flee Baghdad with her family in 2014, she had been a practicing, licensed pathologist for 18 years in Iraq. Since her resettlement in the United States, Lubab has worked in food service and as a pharmacy technician. […]
Policy Roundup: State Efforts to Advance the Economic Inclusion of Immigrants and Refugees
Natalie Torres |
The United States currently faces deepening labor shortages in critical sectors including health care and education. At the same time, internationally trained immigrants and refugees have education, credentials, and experience that could help meet immediate workforce needs and bolster the nation’s long-term economic vitality. An estimated two million college-educated immigrants and refugees are unemployed or […]
New Maryland Legislation Promises Reform for Health Care Workforce
Jacki Esposito |
Over the past several decades, staffing shortfalls have imposed dramatic negative effects on Maryland’s health care system, including increased hospital readmission and higher mortality rates among patients. But new legislation in Maryland may offer some hope. States Face Critical Health Care Shortages Statistics confirm Maryland’s current health care shortages: In 2020, the state had only […]