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Long‑term care providers warn federal enforcement is worsening an already fragile caregiver shortage
Summary
Long‑term care industry representatives told a House committee that roughly 30% of long‑term care staff are foreign born and that enforcement and visa processing changes have led to staff absences, training disruptions and increased operational strain for nursing homes and disability providers. They said impacts could raise costs and limit access for residents.
Leaders representing thousands of long‑term care employers told the committee that the sector — already facing chronic staffing shortages — is experiencing additional disruption tied to federal immigration enforcement and policy changes.
Nicole Matson of Care Providers of Minnesota said the sector currently has more than 12,500 open positions statewide and that about 30% of long‑term care employees are foreign born. She described instances of staff being followed or asked for identification outside work, staff staying home out of fear and declining attendance in required in‑person training that employers rely on to maintain staffing and regulatory compliance.
Erin Hubert of LeadingAge Minnesota said members are seeing declines linked to changes in Temporary Protected Status (TPS), visa backlogs and pauses in processing; she said providers are covering absences through contingency staffing, cross‑training and agency staff, adding costs that affect rates and budgets. Hubert noted the sector is also adjusting during a rate cap implemented for 2026.
Representatives urged lawmakers to consider the connection between immigration enforcement, workforce policy and care stability and to prioritize measures that ensure lawfully authorized workers feel safe coming to work.
