SUB-HEAD:
Policy reversal ends months-long uncertainty for foreign-trained physicians
NEWS REPORT:
The United States government has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign-trained doctors, reversing a policy that had stalled immigration applications under travel ban-related restrictions.
The development, first reported by The New York Times, means affected physicians can now proceed with applications for visa extensions, work permits, and green cards.
“This decision brings a lot of relief. Many of us were uncertain about our future and jobs,” one affected doctor said.
The earlier policy, introduced in January, had halted decisions on certain immigration applications for citizens of about 39 countries, leaving many foreign-trained doctors in limbo over their legal status and employment.
However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the restrictions.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the policy shift.
“Applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing,” the spokesperson said.
The reversal is expected to bring relief to many foreign doctors, including Nigerians, whose applications were affected by the freeze. Some had reportedly been placed on administrative leave, while others faced the risk of losing their jobs due to delays in immigration approvals.
Healthcare institutions had also raised concerns about the impact of the policy on staffing levels, especially in underserved areas already grappling with a shortage of medical personnel.
“Foreign-trained doctors are critical to sustaining healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” a health analyst noted.
Authorities estimate that the United States is currently facing a shortage of about 65,000 doctors, a figure projected to rise in the coming years.
Foreign-trained physicians make up roughly a quarter of the US medical workforce, playing key roles in primary care and essential health services.
The latest decision is expected to ease pressure on hospitals and allow affected doctors to continue working while their immigration applications are processed.
For Nigerian and other foreign physicians, the move provides a clearer pathway to renew their documents and continue their medical practice without disruption.
