AAPD BLOG: Recent Changes to Immigration Policies Have Disastrous Impacts on Disabled People and Long-Term Care
Litchman received approval for IRIS, Wisconsin's self-direction program, but struggled to find personal care attendants at $17/hour maximum wages. With immigrants comprising 32% of home care workers, Trump's immigration raids and deportations worsen existing workforce shortages (75% turnover, 1-in-4 vacancies). Combined with Medicaid cuts threatening optional HCBS programs, these policies push disabled people toward institutionalization.
