Right now, the Michigan legislature is considering critical legislation that addresses the state’s growing shortage of healthcare workers. This bill, SB 836, is important because it provides funding to facilitate the inclusion of internationally-trained workers in Michigan’s workforce. Immigrants and refugees with medical licensing can contribute by working as clinicians, educators, researchers, government and pharmaceutical company employees. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing strains on Michigan’s health care system and with the increasing shortage of healthcare workers, new Americans are indispensable to the care of vulnerable individuals and advancement of medicine in Michigan.
CONTACT YOUR MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS TODAY
On the right-hand side, click “Send Email” or “Call Me” to contact your Senator and Representative.
Sample Script: “My name is [insert name] and I’m your constituent from [city], and [as a person of faith/refugee/community member], I urge you to support SB 836 and to recognize the valuable contributions immigrants and refugees bring to Michigan. We have long seen how immigrants and refugees are vital to the prosperity of our communities – they pay taxes, help grow our economy, and bring unique skill sets, experiences, and insights.
However, we are facing an underutilization of talent that already exists within the state. Immigrants and refugees with medical licensing can contribute by working as clinicians, educators, researchers, government and pharmaceutical company employees. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing strains on Michigan’s health care system and with the increasing shortage of healthcare workers, new Americans are indispensable to the care of vulnerable individuals and advancement of medicine in Michigan.
SB 836, which has passed both the House and Senate and is now in conference, taps into new American talent in Michigan. Appropriating funds for a task force on internationally-trained medical licensing will provide more equitable medical career pathways to new Americans who have already developed the level of expertise comparable to their colleagues.
We call on the Michigan legislature to support SB 836 to further Michigan’s legacy of welcome and engender its core values of generosity, hospitality, and welcome so that newcomers can achieve their American dream. Thank you.”
Amplify on Social Media: Click here for social media graphics, and below are sample posts:
- SB 836 recognizes the contributions of immigrants and refugees and affirms Michigan’s legacy of welcome. We urge MI lawmakers to pass SB 836 and welcome qualified internationally-trained workers into the workforce.
- ALERT: Calling all Michigan lawmakers! Refugees and immigrants are valued members of our communities. We urge you to pass SB 836 to welcome these trained workers into the workforce and help our community thrive.
- 🚨 Michigan, pass SB 836 and tap into talent and experience that already exists within your own communities. In 2020, 733 areas and facilities in the state had a labor shortage in the healthcare industry—our refugee and immigrant neighbors can help!
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