Henry L.
Dorkin, MD, FAAP, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, released the
following statement:
“The Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides important protection and
stability for hundreds of thousands of young people brought as infants and
young children to the United States by their families (in the absence of legal
immigration status). These young people are now faced with the prospect of
being deported to countries with which they have only limited and tenuous
connection. The Massachusetts Medical Society strongly supports DACA and
urges Congress to pass a permanent solution on lawful immigration status for
DACA recipients.
“Specifically
to the mission of the MMS, this issue is of great importance for the medical
students, residents and fellows who are currently studying or practicing in
Massachusetts under DACA protections. With DACA protections rescinded,
these medical professionals must live with uncertainty about their future
status in this country. They are wondering whether they will be able to stay
here to fulfill their medical education and dreams of contributing to the
health care of our country’s citizens. At a time when there is a shortage of
physicians, these young and future doctors could improve the lives of countless
patients here in the U.S. throughout their careers.
“Nationally,
the American Association of Medical Colleges states that in 2016, 112 students
with DACA status applied to US allopathic medical schools and 34 of those
individuals matriculated, bringing total allopathic medical school enrollment
of DACA eligible individuals to approximately 70 students. According to one recent study, maintaining the DACA initiative could
introduce more than 5,400 previously ineligible physicians into the U.S.
healthcare system in the coming decade.
“The MMS
strongly supports all medical students, residents and physicians with DACA
status. We know that these physicians and physicians-in-training are a critical
component of our medical teams and contribute to a much-needed diverse and
culturally responsive physician workforce, which benefits our patients and our
profession.
“We strongly
oppose ending this important program.”
