A change to the immigration status of tens of thousands of Haitians in Massachusetts set to take effect at midnight Tuesday has officials worried about health care staffing shortages.
At 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, barring an order from an appellate court, the Department of Homeland Security will revoke the temporary protected status for Haitians. About 45,000 Haitians hold that status in Massachusetts. They overwhelmingly work in nursing and other health care positions.
The temporary protected status allowed Haitians fleeing the country the authorization to work. A revocation of that status means many health care workers would be forced out their jobs, said Tara Gregorio, president of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. The group represents 400 facilities serving older adults and people with disabilities…