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[INTERNATIONAL] · United States, Philippines · 5 sources

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Hettinger, North Dakota relies on immigrant workers for hospital staffing

immigrant workforce H-1B visa rural healthcare skilled labor shortage North Dakota

In the small town of Hettinger, North Dakota, immigrant workers are becoming essential to maintaining local services. West River Hospital, which serves residents in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota, currently employs 19 foreign workers to address critical staffing shortages.

Marichu Castillo Villamiel, a Filipina ultrasound technician, is among those utilizing the H-1B visa program for skilled workers. The program has allowed West River Health Services to recruit professionals from the Philippines, including nurses and lab technologists, to fill long-standing vacancies.

The reliance on foreign labor extends beyond healthcare, as the community also sees an influx of immigrant teachers to support local schools. This shift is occurring in a rural area that has historically been a stronghold for conservative politics.

Entities

Hettinger · Marichu Castillo Villamiel · North Dakota · Philippines · West River Hospital

Sources

CNN se adentra en un pequeño pueblo de EE. UU. que depende de inmigrantes para el trabajo en un hospital [localnews8.com]
CNN se adentra en un pequeño pueblo de EE. UU. que depende de inmigrantes para el trabajo en un hospital [keyt.com]
CNN se adentra en un pequeño pueblo de EE. UU. que depende de inmigrantes para el trabajo en un hospital [krdo.com]
Inside a tiny prairie town relying on immigrants for hospital work [kesq.com]
Inside a tiny prairie town relying on immigrants for hospital work [kvia.com]