Given the acute shortage of health care workers in our country and the fact that African immigrants play an important role in providing care and in some instances owning and running Health care institutions; The African Coalition on Immigration Reform propose;
A provision of a distinct pathway to citizenship for those unauthorized immigrants working in Health and Allied Health fields, bearing in mind that a majority work as CNAs, LPNs, and Health Aides in Hospitals, Nursing and Group Homes.
We in addition ask for a waiver for those unauthorized immigrants working in Health and Allied Health fields who have been paying taxes, speak English and have no criminal background.
Why is this important?
The majority of African Immigrants without legal status in the United States have been playing a key role in America’s health care system. More than 3 out of 4 African immigrants work in Health Care and Allied Health fields as Behavioral/Mental Health Residential and Community Specialists/Counsellors, Health Aides in Nursing and Group homes, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Respiratory Therapists, Radiology Technologist, Ultrasound Technologists, Dieticians, Social Workers, Home Health Aides, Registered Nurses (RNs) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSNs).
