Michael Lawler
11/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2026 11:54
Lawler Introduces New Visa Pathway to Address Healthcare Worker Shortages
Washington, D.C. - 11/12/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler introduced the Health and Human Services Workforce Visa Act, legislation that would establish a new temporary visa category for qualified foreign workers in healthcare occupations to help address persistent workforce shortages.
"In the Hudson Valley, we don't have enough direct support professionals (DSPs), other I/DD direct service workers, nurses, doctors, and the list goes on and on. These shortages limit the amount of care that can be provided and even the quality of care delivered. That's why I have prioritized improving workforce conditions during my time in Congress, and why I'm introducing this legislation to bolster our numbers. This bill would create a targeted pathway to fill critical positions when qualified American workers are unavailable, while protecting American workers and investing in our domestic workforce, " said Congressman Lawler.
"The current visa frameworks within DHS are not geared toward healthcare. But at the same time, we have seen the positive impact foreign care workers have had in our communities and on our economic outlook. I was proud to work with Jawonio on this legislation, and look forward to continuing to advance policy that improves the lives of all patients and those in the I/DD community," concluded Congressman Lawler.
"The shortage of Direct Support Professionals who provide essential services to individuals with disabilities continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing organizations like Jawonio, not just hear but across the country. We are grateful to Congressman Lawler for working collaboratively with us to develop this important legislation. If passed this would offer a promising new pathway to recruit qualified individuals, fill critical vacancies, and ensure the people we support receive the quality care and services they deserve," said Randi Rios-Castro, CEO, Jawonio, Inc.
Specifically, the Health and Human Services Workforce Visa Act would create a new temporary visa category for qualified foreign workers in eligible health and human services occupations. It prioritizes underserved populations and communities by ensuring allocations go toward employers serving individuals with I/DD, rural and underserved communities, behavioral health populations, FQHC patients, Medicaid enrollees, and people needing long-term services and support.
Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
"In the Hudson Valley, we don't have enough direct support professionals (DSPs), other I/DD direct service workers, nurses, doctors, and the list goes on and on. These shortages limit the amount of care that can be provided and even the quality of care delivered. That's why I have prioritized improving workforce conditions during my time in Congress, and why I'm introducing this legislation to bolster our numbers. This bill would create a targeted pathway to fill critical positions when qualified American workers are unavailable, while protecting American workers and investing in our domestic workforce, " said Congressman Lawler.
"The current visa frameworks within DHS are not geared toward healthcare. But at the same time, we have seen the positive impact foreign care workers have had in our communities and on our economic outlook. I was proud to work with Jawonio on this legislation, and look forward to continuing to advance policy that improves the lives of all patients and those in the I/DD community," concluded Congressman Lawler.
"The shortage of Direct Support Professionals who provide essential services to individuals with disabilities continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing organizations like Jawonio, not just hear but across the country. We are grateful to Congressman Lawler for working collaboratively with us to develop this important legislation. If passed this would offer a promising new pathway to recruit qualified individuals, fill critical vacancies, and ensure the people we support receive the quality care and services they deserve," said Randi Rios-Castro, CEO, Jawonio, Inc.
Specifically, the Health and Human Services Workforce Visa Act would create a new temporary visa category for qualified foreign workers in eligible health and human services occupations. It prioritizes underserved populations and communities by ensuring allocations go toward employers serving individuals with I/DD, rural and underserved communities, behavioral health populations, FQHC patients, Medicaid enrollees, and people needing long-term services and support.
Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
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Michael Lawler published this content on November 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 12, 2026 at 17:54 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]