Trump Admin Calls Nurses Unprofessional While Courting 'Strong Men'
Newsweek reported back in 2018 that the Trump administration’s Department of Labor issued guidance stating that Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees would no longer qualify as 'professional' for certain visa categories. This meant highly educated nurses, primarily from the Philippines and India, faced increased hurdles, even as America faced ongoing nursing shortages. The administration,
known for its populist appeals, essentially slapped down a critical, often feminized, labor force while simultaneously showering praise and political capital on industries deemed 'tough' or 'manly' – from fossil fuels to finance. One might wonder if patient care simply isn't considered 'strongman' enough for the official record. This wasn't an isolated incident; it was part of a broader
ideological push to reshape immigration and labor, often devaluing professions that are disproportionately female or immigrant-heavy. While the administration decried 'globalism' and pushed 'America First,' they simultaneously undermined a workforce crucial to national health. It appears competence in healthcare ranks below political posturing in the 'professional' hierarchy for some in
Washington.