Protecting Medical Students & Physicians with DACA Status
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows certain individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children to obtain temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. Established in 2012, it enables eligible recipients to train, study, and work in the U.S. health care system.
The Problem
We recognize the important contributions of DACA-recipient medical students, residents, and physicians. As of June 2025, the AMA estimates that roughly 27,000 health-care workers and support-staff rely on DACA for work authorization. This group also includes nearly 200 medical students, residents, and practicing physicians.
The Path Forward
We continue to advocate to ensure that DACA-status individuals can continue employment, education, training, and research in the health professions. These trainees and physicians serve thousands of patients each year, helping to fill gaps in care, especially in underserved areas.
Without DACA work authorization, many would face interruption in training or employment, impacting both their careers and patient access to care. On average, DACA health care workers serve between 1,533 and 4,600 patients annually. Together, over the course of their careers, they will touch the lives of 1.7 to 5.1 million U.S. patients.
Get Involved
We continue to closely monitor the situation, and you can join us.
- Support policies and legislation that secure the work authorization, training access, and employment stability of physicians and health care professionals with DACA status.
- Engage your institution in recognizing and welcoming DACA-status medical students, residents, and physicians.
- Amplify the role of DACA-status clinicians in your networks and highlight how their presence strengthens access and care in your community.