1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a constituent who is deeply concerned about a crisis unfolding in our healthcare system — one that affects not only immigrant physicians but the patients and communities who depend on them. Dr. Rubeliz “Bibi” Bolivar, known as Dr. Bibi, is an Emergency Medicine resident from Venezuela who has dedicated her career to serving the Rio Grande Valley — one of the most medically underserved regions in the United States. She holds legal work authorization. She has followed every rule. She has shown up every day to care for patients who have few other options. She was recently detained, alongside her 5-year-old daughter, Milena. Dr. Ezequiel Veliz, another Venezuelan doctor serving the Rio Grande Valley, was also recently detained. Both of their stories were recently reported in the New York Times. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a growing pattern that is quietly dismantling the physician workforce in communities that can least afford to lose it. International Medical Graduates make up over 25% of the physician workforce in the United States. They are disproportionately present in rural and underserved areas where American medical graduates often do not practice. When we detain, threaten, or create fear among these physicians, we do not just disrupt one family — we destabilize entire communities’ access to care. I urge you to take immediate action on the following: 1. Publicly call for the immediate release of Dr. Bibi and Dr. Veliz . 2. Oppose any policy that creates barriers, fear, or uncertainty for legally authorized healthcare workers serving in underserved communities. 3. Support legislation that protects the ability of international medical graduates to practice in shortage areas without fear of arbitrary enforcement actions. 4. Request oversight hearings to examine how immigration enforcement actions targeting healthcare workers are affecting patient care in medically underserved communities. The health of our nation depends on a stable, committed physician workforce. Policies that drive away the doctors willing to serve where others will not are policies that cost lives. I ask you to stand with communities like the Rio Grande Valley. I ask you to stand with physicians like Dr. Bibi and Dr. Veliz, who chose service over comfort. And I ask you to stand with every patient who will one day need a doctor — and deserves to find one. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.