Immigrants Play a Crucial Role in the US Hospital Workforce Amidst a Double Challenge for the Industry

Strategic Insights -

Immigrants make up a significant share of the nation's hospitals, with 16% of hospital workers being foreign-born, according to census data analyzed by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). This is consistent with the share of the workforce that is foreign-born. However, the industry is facing a double challenge: a White House immigration crackdown that could lead to worker shortages, and a growing need for healthcare workers to meet the demands of an aging population. Meanwhile, an aging population will require more care, and reducing the number of immigrants in the US could exacerbate existing workforce shortages.

Key Takeaways:

  • About 5% of healthcare workers in Arkansas are immigrants, highlighting the important role they play in the state's healthcare workforce.
  • Nationwide, 16% of hospital workers are immigrants, which is roughly in line with the share of the workforce that is foreign-born.
  • More populous states have higher numbers of immigrant hospital workers, including 32% in California, 29% in New York and New Jersey, and 27% in Florida.
  • Immigrants account for close to 30% of cleaning and maintenance staff in hospitals, highlighting their importance in these often-overlooked roles.
  • Reducing the number of immigrants in the US could exacerbate existing workforce shortages, particularly in areas with high demand for healthcare workers.
  • The new spending bill will significantly impact hospitals, with Medicaid cuts and changes to the Affordable Care Act likely to lead to millions losing their health insurance and more uncompensated care.
  • Hospitals are already facing a shortage of doctors in certain areas and specialities, and an overall workforce shortage.

Statistics:

  • 16% of hospital workers are immigrants, consistent with the share of the workforce that is foreign-born.
  • 5% of healthcare workers in Arkansas are immigrants.
  • 32%, 29%, and 27% of hospital workers in California, New York and New Jersey, and Florida, respectively, are immigrants.
  • Immigrants account for close to 30% of cleaning and maintenance staff in hospitals.
  • 5.7 million people may lose their health insurance due to the new spending bill. (Source: Axios)
  • The nation is projected to face a shortage of 121,000 healthcare workers by 2028. (Source: Axios)

Sources:

  • Kaiser Family Foundation: "What Role Do Immigrants Play in the Hospital Workforce?"
  • Axios Visuals: Map of Immigrant Hospital Workers
  • Axios: "Immigration Could Worsen Healthcare Worker Shortages"
  • Axios: "California, New York and New Jersey, and Florida Have Highest Numbers of Immigrant Hospital Workers"
  • Axios: "Healthcare Worker Shortages Predicted to Reach 121,000 by 2028"
  • Axios: "Healthcare Big Bill Winners and Losers"
  • New York Times: "Healthcare Jobs Are Booming, but the Industry Faces a Double Challenge"
  • Axios: "About 5% of Healthcare Workers in Arkansas Are Immigrants"
  • Axios: "Arkansas' Aging Population Will Require More Care"