Report: Bridging the Gap - Policy Recommendations to Enhance Immigrant Direct Care Worker Support in the U.S.

The "Bridging the Gap" report, authored by Robert Espinoza, Executive Vice President of Policy at PHI, highlights the role played by immigrant direct care workers in the United States' healthcare system, particularly in long-term care for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Immigrants constitute a substantial 27% of the direct care workforce in the country, underscoring their pivotal contribution to this essential sector. However, the long-term care industry confronts significant challenges, with 9.3 million direct care job openings anticipated between 2021 and 2031.

---

The report recommends federal-level policy changes that include offering work authorizations and pathways to citizenship for immigrant direct care workers. It also offers a comprehensive strategy to enhance both the lives of immigrant caregivers and the quality of long-term care provided to those in need.

This is in line with HCAOA’s policy initiatives on the immigration workforce found in HCAOA’s State of Home Care Industry at a Crossroads report.

For more information and to download this free report, click here.