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NewsBreitbartMay 6, 2026United States

DHS Resumes Visa Processing for Foreign Doctors from High-Risk Countries

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has resumed processing visa applications for foreign doctors from 39 countries previously flagged as high-risk. While hospitals and immigration advocates welcome the move to address staffing shortages, critics argue the policy displaces American medical graduates and lowers standards for patient care.

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Why It Matters

The resumption of visa processing directly impacts the availability of medical slots and hospital staffing levels, affecting both foreign-trained physicians seeking employment and American medical graduates competing for the same training positions.

Key Facts

  • DHS has restarted visa processing for foreign doctors from 39 countries previously subject to a pause.
  • The agency will implement improved vetting procedures for these applicants.
  • The visa pause was originally implemented to review approvals granted during the Biden administration.
  • Foreign-trained physicians currently hold approximately 25% of physician jobs in the U.S.
  • Over 6,000 foreign-trained physicians secured residency slots at U.S. teaching hospitals this year.
  • Over 1,300 American medical school graduates did not secure residency slots this year.
  • There are currently over 10,000 physician H-1B visa holders and over 17,000 J-1 visa holders in the U.S.
  • 17 states have created or are creating fast-track licensure procedures for foreign doctors that may bypass traditional U.S. residency requirements.
  • Mercy health system reports that stalled visa petitions have created significant administrative burdens for their 55 hospitals.

Who's Mentioned

personCurtis Morrison“Lawyer representing employers of foreign physicians.”personJoe Biden“President during whose term the visa approvals under review were granted.”personDan Goldman“U.S. Representative (D-NY) who criticized the visa pause.”organizationU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services“The agency within DHS handling the visa processing reversal.”personKevin Lynn“Director of the Institute for Sound Public Policy, critical of the visa policy.”personMustafa Alawad“Sudanese doctor affected by previous visa denials.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency responsible for visa processing and security reviews.”personSamantha Wolfe“Immigration lawyer for hospitals.”personBarb Martin“Director of outpatient care hiring for Mercy health system.”