Indian-Origin US Lawmaker Introduces Bills to Help Immigrant Doctors and Nurses
Indian-origin Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduces two bills to help immigrant doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals overcome licensing barriers in the US.
Indian-Origin US Lawmaker Introduces Bills for Immigrant Healthcare Workers
Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with Congressman Adam Smith, has introduced two bills aimed at helping immigrant and internationally trained healthcare professionals overcome licensing and training barriers in the United States. The proposals come as the country faces continuing shortages of healthcare workers.
What Do the New Bills Propose?
The Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act would create grants for programs providing training, licensing, certification and case management to immigrants entering healthcare careers. It would also expand National Health Service Corps eligibility to certain non-US citizens.
The legislation covers professions including:
- Nursing
- Dental hygiene
- Medical technology
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Respiratory therapy
- Speech-language pathology
How Could the Bills Help Immigrant Doctors?
The Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act would encourage states to create temporary licensing programs allowing foreign-trained doctors to work under supervision while completing requirements for a US medical license.
The proposal would also provide:
- Guaranteed residency positions for internationally trained physicians serving medically underserved communities
- Grants for exam preparation, testing and certification
- Support for English-language classes and case management (The Times of India)
Why Are US Lawmakers Pushing These Changes?
The lawmakers pointed to both healthcare workforce shortages and the underemployment of highly educated immigrants. The Association of American Medical Colleges has projected a shortage of up to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034, while the statement cited by the lawmakers said about 200,000 nurses may need to be hired each year to meet demand and replace retiring workers.
For internationally trained professionals, however, these proposals are about licensing and workforce access, not creating a new US visa or Green Card pathway. Doctors and nurses would still need to meet existing immigration and professional licensing requirements. The bills are proposals and would need to pass Congress before becoming law.
For qualified healthcare professionals exploring routes such as an Employment-based Green Card, the developments could be worth watching as the US considers ways to make better use of internationally trained talent.
Stay connected with Smart Immigrant for more updates on US immigration, United States Green Card pathways and employment-based immigration.
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