As the old adage goes, “Any port in a storm.”
For those less familiar with nautical jargon, its underlying meaning is pretty straightforward: In troubled times, accept help of any kind.
Well, it looks like senior living might get some unexpected but welcome staffing assistance. President Biden just announced a new executive action aimed at protecting undocumented spouses and children of American citizens from deportation. While this policy shift primarily focuses on keeping families together and providing clearer pathways to legal residency and citizenship, it also could bring unexpected benefits to the senior living field.
Specifically, the new policy will allow certain undocumented spouses of US citizens who have resided in the country for at least a decade to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country. This change eliminates a significant barrier that often disrupts families and careers. Additionally, these individuals will be eligible for temporary work permits during the application process, shielding them from deportation and allowing them to work legally.
This is where long-term care operators stand to benefit. It hardly needs to be mentioned that the sector has faced chronic staffing shortages for years, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By extending work permits to undocumented immigrants, the Biden administration’s new policy could introduce a substantial number of eligible workers into the legal workforce, many of whom may seek employment in healthcare, including senior living communities.
As many operators know, undocumented immigrants often possess valuable caregiving experience, having provided for their own families under challenging circumstances. These skills are directly transferrable to senior living settings, where compassion, patience and dedication are paramount. With the possibility of securing legal employment, these individuals might be drawn to the sector, helping to alleviate the ongoing staffing crisis.
The average undocumented spouse eligible under this new policy has lived in the United States for 23 years, suggesting deep community ties and a likely desire to remain in stable, long-term employment. This stability can be particularly beneficial for long-term care facilities, which thrive on continuity and the development of strong relationships between caregivers and residents.
While this policy shift is expected to face legal challenges, its potential impact on the sector should not be overlooked. By providing a pathway to legal status and employment, the Biden administration’s new direction could open doors for many undocumented individuals eager to contribute to society, including in essential roles within senior living.
As this policy unfolds, operators should stay informed and consider how they can tap into this newly accessible workforce. Engaging with local immigrant communities, offering training programs and providing support for new employees navigating their path to legal residency could be strategic steps toward bolstering staff numbers and improving care quality.
To be sure, this shift is hardly a done deal. Moreover, it will likely face serious legal hurdles. And even if it is fully implemented, it is not going to make the struggle to hire and keep qualified workers completely disappear.
But in a time of persistent staffing shortages, the senior living sector may find an unexpected ally in this new immigration policy. All things considered, it just might be a pretty good port in the storm.
John O’Connor is editorial director for McKnight’s Senior Living and its sister media brands, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, which focuses on skilled nursing, and McKnight’s Home Care. Read more of his columns here.
