Here are five key points:
1. The legislation would provide undocumented young immigrants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status employment authorization and temporary relief from deportation. The legislators’ bill would also apply to DACA-eligible individuals.
2. Dr. Madara wrote the letter to Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) and Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), who introduced the BRIDGE Act.
3. The AMA says the legislation is vital in providing both stability and protection until the government implements a permanent solution regarding DACA recipients’ lawful immigration status.
4. The letter cites various statistics that show how individuals with DACA status impact the nation’s healthcare system. The DACA initiative would allow nearly 5,400 previously ineligible physicians to practice in the United States in the coming years, the letter states.
5. Dr. Madara writes, “The AMA strongly supports medical students and physicians with DACA status, as well as those young people who are considering a career in medicine. These individuals help contribute to a diverse and culturally responsive physician workforce, which in turn helps benefit not only traditionally underserved patients, but all patients as well. DACA recipients should be able to continue to study and work without fear of being deported.”
More articles on healthcare:
President Trump: ACA replacement may not come until the end of the year — 5 things to know
Zotec names Jeff McHugh vice president of enterprise solutions: 4 key notes
10 key trends in physician executive pay — C-suite reaches $499k
