Tom Price, M.D., rejects the idea that health care immigration reform and border security are in conflict. In fact, he argues they go hand in hand.
The former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary says a well-structured, merit-based visa program for health care workers would not only strengthen the medical workforce, but also reinforce responsible immigration policy.
“It’s part of the principle of what real border security is all about,” Price said. “That is, to make certain the folks allowed to come into this country are ones that will be able to contribute to our society.”
He pointed to the critical shortage of health care workers in the U.S. — particularly as the population ages — and said few professions could offer more meaningful contributions than clinicians.
“If we were to have a merit-based visa process for health care workers, then that helps to solve part of the challenges of the workforce,” he said. “[It] also recognizes that there are principles involved from an immigration standpoint that ought to be adhered to.”