Recent Immigration Policies Threaten The Sustainability Of The LTSS Workforce

Abstract

To make sure that long-term services and supports remain available as the older population grows, it is essential that states partner with policy makers at the federal and local levels, along with leaders in mission-driven organizations.

The US Supreme Court recently delivered two decisions that are making it harder for immigrants, specifically asylum seekers and refugees, to come and stay in the US. Although another recent US Supreme Court decision upheld the 14th Amendment on birthright citizenship—a win for immigrants—these rulings combined with other state and federal policies are sending a clear message to immigrants that not all are welcome here. These actions are exacerbating difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers in the long-term services and supports (LTSS) sector, which relies heavily on immigrants. As a longtime scholar of the health care workforce and the only child and primary caregiver of elderly immigrant parents seeking to age in place, I believe we are heading in the wrong direction. To sustain the LTSS workforce for the years to come, we need to welcome immigrants and prioritize those who are willing to take on what has often been described as one of the hardest jobs in America—care work for older adults.

Authors:

Frogner BK

Journal/Publisher:

Health Affairs Forefront

Edition:

Aug 2026.

Link to Article

Access the article here: Health Affairs Forefront

Citation:

Frogner BK. Recent Immigration Policies Threaten The Sustainability Of The LTSS Workforce. Health Affairs Forefront. Aug 2026