Over 300 Cuban doctors find themselves trapped in an immigration limbo in the United States, unable to practice their profession. This predicament is causing significant economic and emotional distress among numerous families, as uncovered by a report from Telemundo 51.
These healthcare professionals are part of a network of about 1,500 foreign doctors who migrated to the U.S. over the past five years. They have organized to tackle the demanding process of medical revalidation required by the American system.
Many entered the country through immigration channels like the I-220A, humanitarian parole, or the CBP One application. Yet, despite a recent directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume certain procedures for healthcare professionals, their work permits remain stalled.
Out of the more than 300 affected doctors, at least 27 have passed all the necessary revalidation exams and are ready to join U.S. hospitals. However, they remain unable to work due to a lack of definitive immigration status.
Dr. Idalberto Fernández, a spokesperson for the group, described the situation as desperate. "Families are telling you that the little money they saved is being spent on these exams. Some people have been ready to take the test for months but can't afford it because they can't work or support themselves," he explained.
Medical revalidation in the United States is known as one of the most demanding worldwide. The process involves multiple exams in English, certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), can take up to five years, and costs around $30,000.
Dr. Andrés Alberto López Sánchez, who has successfully revalidated his credentials and awaits entry into a residency program, summed up the toll taken on those who endure this journey: "It's an extensive, prolonged, and exhausting process, both physically and mentally, as well as financially."
In addition to economic challenges, many doctors face the heartache of family separation. Numerous physicians left Cuban government missions, citing exploitative working conditions, and as a result, they are punished by Havana's laws, which prevent them from returning to Cuba for up to eight years.
Dr. Dayan Ríos Alonso highlighted the extreme vulnerability faced by many exiled Cuban professionals. "Returning to the island is almost impossible, even in dire humanitarian situations like the death of a close relative, a mother or father; often, they have been denied entry," he reported.
The crisis worsened in December 2025 when USCIS temporarily halted immigration applications from citizens of 39 countries deemed high-risk, including Cuba. This move affected residency applications, asylum, and work permits.
On May 5, USCIS announced a partial relaxation for doctors from these countries, including extensions of H-1B visas and J-1 waivers. However, Cubans with I-220A or humanitarian parole argue that these measures do not resolve their specific circumstances.
The situation is further complicated by the increasing shortage of doctors in the U.S. Dr. Alejandro Badia, an orthopedic surgeon with a clinic in Doral, warned that the country is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the coming years. "Data indicates that there will be a shortage of 140,000 doctors in the next decade in the United States," he noted.
An internal survey of the group revealed that nearly 40% of the affected doctors reside in South Florida, particularly in the 27th congressional district represented by María Elvira Salazar.
Leaders of the initiative state that they have brought their concerns to local legislators, but responses have so far been limited to managing individual cases with USCIS, a strategy they see as inadequate given the scope of the problem.
For many, the crisis extends far beyond immigration papers or work permits. "Behind each doctor is a dream, a family, years of sleepless nights, and sacrifices," concluded Dr. Ríos Alonso.
The Plight of Cuban Doctors in U.S. Immigration Limbo
Why are Cuban doctors in the U.S. facing immigration challenges?
Cuban doctors in the U.S. are facing immigration challenges due to stalled work permits and the lack of definitive immigration status, despite having entered the country through legal channels like the I-220A or humanitarian parole.
What impact does the immigration limbo have on these doctors and their families?
The immigration limbo causes significant economic and emotional distress, as doctors are unable to work and support their families. This situation also leads to family separation, with some unable to return to Cuba for humanitarian reasons.
How does the U.S. doctor shortage relate to the situation of Cuban doctors?
The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, which makes the situation of Cuban doctors even more contradictory as they remain unable to work despite the country's need for more doctors.