New Bill Proposes Hiring Foreign Health Workers on H-1B Visa to Aid Veteran Healthcare

Two Congresswomen, Rashida Tlaib and Delia Ramirez, have introduced a bill aimed at resolving the healthcare provider shortage within the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act seeks to make it easier for the department to hire foreign employees on H-1B visas when suitable applicants cannot be found within the country.

The bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs and State Veterans Homes as cap exempt institutions under the H-1B visa program. This exemption would allow immigrant health workers holding H-1B visas to provide crucial services to veterans in need.

Congresswoman Ramirez, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, emphasized the commitment to veterans and the need to address the healthcare provider shortage. She stated that immigrants in the community are ready and willing to work but face numerous obstacles in doing so.

The bill’s development was prompted by a situation faced by the Detroit VA Medical Center, where the clinic providing life-saving care to local veterans almost had to close due to difficulties in hiring under the H-1B visa cap. Thanks to Representative Tlaib’s intervention, the clinic remained open. The Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act aims to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

Congresswoman Tlaib highlighted the importance of high-quality healthcare for veterans, especially in the realm of mental health services. She expressed her pride in introducing the legislation, which welcomes immigrant healthcare professionals to provide care for veterans. Tlaib emphasized her dedication to ensuring that veterans are not forgotten upon their return home.

The bill has garnered endorsements from organizations such as The Veterans For Peace Save Our VA National Project and The American Immigration Lawyers Association, reflecting support for its objectives and recognition of its potential to address the healthcare needs of veterans.

With the Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act, efforts are being made to bridge the healthcare provider gap for veterans by enabling the hiring of foreign health workers on H-1B visas. The bill showcases the commitment of Congresswomen Tlaib and Ramirez to uphold the well-being of veterans and ensure they receive the care they deserve.