Nursing Homes in Crisis: Immigration Policy Sparks Staffing Exodus

Boca Raton, USA - Nursing homes across the United States, particularly in Florida, are facing a growing staffing crisis, a struggle exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s recent immigration policies. Facilities that cater to older adults and individuals with disabilities are reporting significant employee losses, especially among those who had their legal status revoked.

Deke Cateau, the CEO of A.G. Rhodes—which operates three nursing homes in Atlanta—has voiced concerns about this troubling trend. Over one-third of his staff is foreign-born, and the diminishing pipeline for potential workers is alarming. Cateau mentions eight employees who are expected to leave after the revocation of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows individuals from unsafe countries to remain in the U.S. and work legally. Such statuses were expanded during the Biden administration, offering refuge to many from nations like Venezuela and Haiti. However, the current administration’s approach is tightening restrictions, creating uncertainty for both staff and residents.

The Ripple Effect of Immigration Policies

As reported by VisaVerge, over 500,000 caregivers from countries including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are experiencing a loss of work authorization due to these recent immigration crackdowns. The average wage for front-line caregivers stands at a mere $16.72 per hour, which has hardly changed since 2023, making these roles less appealing to U.S.-born workers. Consequently, some facilities are already reducing services or even closing entire wings due to staff shortages.

Foreign-born workers make up about 22% of nursing assistants, and the fear stirred by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in healthcare settings has led to mass departures. The grim reality is that many current employees are hesitant to come to work, worried about potential immigration enforcement actions, even if they are legally in the country.

A Long-Term Care Sector in Crisis

The ongoing staffing crisis poses serious challenges for the long-term care sector. As the demand for caregivers is projected to increase, especially with the aging Baby Boomer generation, many facilities are bracing for a significant worker shortage. Research by the AP News indicates that the industry could require an additional 820,000 positions by 2032. While some facilities have successfully employed refugees from crisis regions such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, the current halt on refugee admissions adds another layer of complexity to staffing efforts.

The turnover rate within nursing homes hovers around 50% annually, necessitating a robust strategy for employee retention and recruitment. Facilities have begun updating their policies, seeking legal counsel, and communicating candidly with staff and residents about these pressing challenges.

Despite the legal avenues for seeking protection against deportation through TPS and other humanitarian programs, the current political climate poses significant risks to staff welfare and patient care. With advocacy groups calling for immediate action to address staffing shortages and restore protections for immigrant workers, the human cost of these policies cannot be overlooked. Residents grapple with the emotional toll of losing familiar caregivers, adding to the sense of instability in nursing homes.

As we navigate these troubled waters, it’s evident that urgent policy changes are needed to ensure the long-term viability of nursing homes and the quality of care they provide. The stories of dedicated caregivers and vulnerable residents highlight the pressing need for a balanced approach to immigration that supports both the workforce and the individuals who depend on it.