As individuals in the U.S. are living longer and requiring more medical care, and the Baby Boomers are entering retirement and old age, the demand for healthcare workers also has grown. In the state of Texas, immigrants have stepped in to fill many healthcare industry jobs, including those in both the formal and informal caretaker industry. Unfortunately, many of these healthcare industry jobs go unfilled by Americans because they traditionally pay low wages and have poor working conditions. Furthermore, when immigrant workers are undocumented, they may be more susceptible to the exploitation that often pervades informal personal care arrangements. These low-level jobs, however, maybe some of the only jobs within reach of undocumented immigrants, since they may not require a high school diploma or even any work experience. Not a great deal of skill is required, and the jobs tend to be plentiful.
According to a recent report from the American Immigration Council, almost 316,000 immigrants work in the healthcare industry, and immigrants constitute approximately 17% of healthcare industry workers nationwide. Immigrants may fill roles in the healthcare industry such as home healthcare workers, personal care attendants, and nursing assistants. Immigrants also may serve in important roles that support the healthcare industry in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes, such as housekeepers, janitors, and food preparation workers. As our population continues to age, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for home health care aides will increase by 38% by 2024. This makes home health care aides one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S.
The healthcare industry is already seeing the effects of the crackdown on immigration throughout our country, in that it is losing hundreds and even thousands of qualified healthcare workers. With the high number of immigration-related arrests that have occurred thus far in the Trump administration, we are likely to continue seeing worker shortages in healthcare jobs. If you or a loved one fears arrest, detention, and deportation on immigration-related grounds, we may be able to help. As experienced Texasimmigration attorneys, we have the knowledge needed to help you navigate through the often complex process of immigration court proceedings. Call us today at (512) 399-2311 and schedule an appointment with one of our deportation defense lawyers, and learn how we can assist you.