Since returning to office last year, President Donald Trump has implemented numerous immigration restrictions aimed at protecting national security and public safety. Starting in January 2026, the administration froze decisions on visa extensions, work permits, and green cards for citizens of 39 countries, citing concerns about foreign nationals intending to commit terrorist attacks or exploit immigration laws for harmful purposes. Narrow exceptions were made for groups such as athletes traveling for major sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics.

However, in May 2026, the administration quietly amended this policy by exempting physicians from the processing hold. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its website to indicate that physicians are no longer subject to the freeze, and the Department of Homeland Security confirmed it would resume issuing visas and work permits for this group. This change reflects recognition of the critical role foreign doctors play, especially as the U.S. faces a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Delays in processing visa waiver applications for a program run by the Department of Health and Human Services had raised concerns that hundreds of foreign doctors completing training in the U.S. might have to leave the country imminently. Additionally, hospitals have struggled to sponsor international physicians due to a $100,000 H-1B visa fee introduced by the Trump administration last fall.

This policy shift suggests the broad immigration restrictions may not be serving the national interest as intended, particularly in addressing healthcare workforce needs.

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