Great news! The Hatch widows bill (which removes the requirement that a couple must have been married for two years before a US citizen dies) passed and included in that bill were provisions extending the religious worker green card program and the Conrad 30 J-1 physician waiver program. Each of these programs were extended for three years. The EB-5 regional center program for immigrant investors was permanently reauthorized by the Senate yesterday.
The House must agree to these amendments before they go to the President and I do not yet know whether the bill will go back to the House for an up or down vote or whether there will be a conference committee to work out compromise language. More on this soon.
Just want to make a comment here (hope Greg doesn't mind )about a few unfair comments being posted on articles about the current case about Gov. Arnold firing almost all the California Board of Nursing members such as this latimes article: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-nursing-board14-2009jul14,0,5570676.story
A few comments there are blaming immigrants and foreign nurses. What BS and a what a low blow. All the full names of the alleged nurses are printed all over already, specially in propublica.org A few with pictures as well.
http://www.heralddeparis.com/when-caregivers-harm-problem-nurses-stay-on-the-job-as-patients-suffer/44035
http://www.propublica.org/feature/schwarzenegger-replaces-most-of-state-nursing-board-713
I would not think of foreign nurses right away when I read names like Owen Jay Murphy, Jr., Carolyn Fay Thomas, Jenifer Bales, Rose McKenzie, John Michael Jones, Abbie Dickerson, Carolyn Claeys.
The antis did not even read the whole article I bet.
And this kind of things happens in all professions. That is why there is a Board to oversee things. The issue is why the California Board of Nursing is taking an ave. of 3 years and 5 mos. to come up with a decision weather to absolve a nurse or revoke their license.
Posted by: Jim | July 14, 2009 at 11:08 AM
This is a lesson that needs to be learnt from countries such as Singapore and New Zealand, the former despite the economic downturn kept its borders open to skilled migrants, while the latter closes its borders and sharply curtails skilled immigrants...
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-07-14-singapore-economy-leaps_N.htm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124597549852457513.html
The NZ economy will probably turn the corner in Q2 but its quarter to quarter growth will be near 5% unlike the 20% growth rate posted by Singapore. Let the US learn its lessons if it does not want FDI and jobs to move abroad and unemployment to spike to 13% as stated by Meredity Whitney yesterday (not a credible forecaster who changes her forecasts depending on which way the wind blows)!
Posted by: George Chell | July 14, 2009 at 04:31 AM
This is exactly a ridiculous thing to know that there are lots of backlogs and immigration issues that the US is facing. My goodness is there any hope for all of us? Even in www.nursepod.com, they are also saying negative things on immigration. What is happening America?
Posted by: Gary | July 14, 2009 at 12:40 AM
Canada is already making preparations for the worst-case scenario for a possible worsening of the pandemic. I bet this has something with news that the initial vaccines being tested are not going to be ready by mid-Oct as previously announced because it isn't producing enough yields to grow new viruses necessary for mass producing vaccines.
"The public-health agency is looking at ways to bring health professionals out of retirement, getting students fast-tracked into the work force, and allowing credentials to be accepted across jurisdictions."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-prepares-for-pandemic-with-new-rules-for-treatment/article1215870/
I won't be surprised if Canada eventually thinks of a fast-track program to accept Internationally Educated Nurses and US educated foreign nationals that has passed the US NCLEX-RN (licensure to practice in the US) already but can't work because of backlogged visas.
They have already done that to H1B holders for displaced IT workers in the US, so they can easily replicate that program and apply that for nurses.
This what happens when certain groups are intentionally to perpetuate the nursing shortage in the US.
Posted by: Jim | July 13, 2009 at 12:11 PM
"I hope through your columns the law makers will at least realize that they are getting late in passing a legislation for the Nurses/PTs."
If they dont, I will not patronize American medical institutions and will keep going to Singapore for preventive procedures.
Posted by: George Chell | July 13, 2009 at 11:59 AM
"Nowadays, most of those who are interested in taking up a job overseas from India are going to Australia, Newzeland or Singapore/Ireland etc."
Not clamping down on foreign workers may be the main reason why Singapore is not expected to loose jobs and most likely the GDP recovered sharply last quarter and is expected to recover fast from the recession despite gloomy statements from the Singapore government officials...
http://business.asiaone.com/Business/News/Story/A1Story20090713-154421.html
Despite demands for clamping down on foreign workers Singapore government kept its cool and the country will be the major beneficiary.
On the other hand other countries including New Zealand and the UK clamped down on foreign workers and their economies are not likely to snap back sharply.
Why? Because Foreign Investment and jobs go where the hiring policies are relatively liberal and when the dust settles we would find out that foreign investment in Singapore from countries such as UK and Australia rose sharply in 2009.
Posted by: George Chell | July 13, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Hello George,
None of thought that it would be so difficult to get into US when we started preparing for examinations like IELTS, NCLEX etc. way back in 2005-2006. Many RNs have signed agreements with US Hospitals or Staffing Companies and we would like to keep up the agreement unless they tell us otherwise. No one has been able to give a data from Pearson Vue on this blog. I do not know the exact figure but I know for sure that today not even 10 Nurse per month are appearing for NCLEX exam. The number of Healthcare professionals in India are much higher than demand. Nowadays, most of those who are interested in taking up a job overseas from India are going to Australia, Newzeland or Singapore/Ireland etc.
If you look at on ICHP website the number of Visa Screen Certificates issued as of today for healthcare professionals are less than 100,000 since the inception of CGFNS. This figure is for the entire international healthcare allied professionals including RNs. Therefore, Indians are not merely looking at the option of US. Yes, I do agree that some are fond of US than any other country. Every individual have their own reason for that.
I hope through your columns the law makers will at least realize that they are getting late in passing a legislation for the Nurses/PTs. Otherwise, when US dearly needs the Nurses they wont find anyone not only from India but from other countries as well. Those who are awaiting the visa numbers will wait for six months or till the next financial year and either go elsewhere or settle down in India itself and forget about their US programme. Even if a legislation is passed for 60,000 visa during next three years, I really doubt whether 60,000 qualified Nurses will be available by then.
Posted by: kavitha | July 13, 2009 at 11:42 AM
As far as the citizens of western countries are concerned, it is always a one way street..it is fine for US nurses to work in Singapore or UAE but not ok for Singapore nurses to work in the US..at least that is what one US working in Singapore told me last month...pretty brazen. But, the Brits are the most shameless when it comes to this attitude. It is fine for British women to work in the Indian movie industry, but not ok for Indians to work in the UK. I heard some of these Brit women who make $1,700 a day when half the country lives below poverty voted for the far-right British National Party which wants to repatriate anyone of Indian origin along with other non-whites...
http://www.duniyalive.com/?p=40776
However, while I sympathize with the Singaporeans I have no sympathy for the Indians...
"India is obsessed with ‘white’ skin and casting agencies have welcomed the influx of white models/actresses."
Pretty disgraceful for a country which fought for freedom from the British..and this attitude is indirectly contributing to virulent racism against South Asian students in Australia and the UK....
http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13871945
and no one in the Indian movie industry wants to give rolls to the slumdog millionaire actors who are too dark for the Indian taste and are still living in the slums!
Posted by: George Chell | July 12, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Hi Greg/Anybody else with some idea
Is there any hope for schedule A relief.when will applicant applied in 2006 fiscal year from C.P. will get visa number(those already documentarily qualified at NVC one year back).
P.D. middle of 2006 AD from rest of world group.
thank you
Posted by: analytical | July 12, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Hi Greg/Anybody else with some idea
Is there any hope for schedule A relief.when will applicant applied in 2006 fiscal year from C.P. will get visa number(those already documentarily qualified at NVC one year back).
thank you
Posted by: analytical | July 12, 2009 at 07:43 PM
@Jim,
That's nice table for salary/COLI, thanks for posting. It's quite helpful for people trying to move.
Posted by: A PT | July 12, 2009 at 01:05 PM
"It will increase the nurses wages in the future but it is a surprise that AARP does not scream bloody murder."
And if you'll notice in that poll NEVER was salary even mentioned as a factor. It was all about making sure that there are enough nurses.
It seems that it is only the nursing unions that are pushing the so-called "low" salary as the main factor to retain more nurses when the nurses themselves (those not yet brainwashed that is) say that the main reason is they are just over-worked because they are short-staffed.
I found this table of nursing salaries adjusted to cost of living: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSW/is_3_24/ai_n17213674/pg_4/
What can you make out of that?
Posted by: Jim | July 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM
"Thanks for posting Jim"
You're welcome : - )
Posted by: Jim | July 12, 2009 at 07:24 AM
"Hope Pres. Obama gets to see this so he can change his views on nurse immigration."
Either he does that or he i needs to start first by filling the budget gap in Californina nursing education. Nursing education has been decimated by the recent budget problems. I can see why the unions dont care. It will increase the nurses wages in the future but it is a surprise that AARP does not scream bloody murder.
Posted by: George Chell | July 12, 2009 at 06:36 AM
"The numbers are frightening. I wonder if the AARP have seen this poll already ?? Not too re-assuring."
That is one of the reasons why I dont want to do medical procedures in this country unless it involves life and death situation.
Posted by: George Chell | July 12, 2009 at 06:34 AM
Kavitha:
Pray tell me why would any Indian nurse want to migrate to the US when Australia and Singapore are much closer to their families in India and US makes it very difficult?
Posted by: George Chell | July 12, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Here is a link where a pdf file of the ANA poll results: http://www.safestaffingsaveslives.org/WhatisANADoing/PollResults.aspx
This just confirms how volatile the nursing workforce is and why it is impt. that there should be an adequate and maybe even a surplus of workers just to make sure that there are health care workers when it is needed most.
Posted by: Jim | July 12, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Thanks for posting Jim. I've linked the report on my health care immigration blog at http://www.visalaw.com/blog_hc/blog_hc.html
Hope Pres. Obama gets to see this so he can change his views on nurse immigration.
Posted by: A PT | July 12, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Thanks for posting Jim. I've linked the report on my health care immigration blog at http://www.visalaw.com/blog_hc/blog_hc.html .
Posted by: Greg Siskind | July 12, 2009 at 05:45 AM
Addendum, this link directs to the artcicle by CFR favoring legal immigration
http://www.cfr.org/publication/19743/broken_immigration_system_risks_serious_damage_to_us_national_interests_warns_cfr_task_force.html
I hope the lawmakers do read such articles & news reports to have some sense driven into their narrow minds.
Posted by: A PT | July 12, 2009 at 05:17 AM
Check this link out
www.cfr.org/publication/19556/us_immigration_policy
Posted by: A PT | July 12, 2009 at 05:11 AM
And look at this newly released poll conducted by the American Nurses Association from March 2008-June/July 2009 (coincidentally the peak of the recession) :
http://healthnewsdigest.com/news/National_30/Seven_of_10_Nurses_Report_Insufficient_Staffing.shtml
The numbers are frightening. I wonder if the AARP have seen this poll already ?? Not too re-assuring.
This is also before the pandemic scare. If there will be a deadly 2nd wave (hopefully not), we already know that a good number of health care professionals would not even report for work. A few will probably also abscond as well once they and their family members get their first 1-2 shots of the vaccine since healthcare workers will probably be given the first jabs first.
And the ones that only returned to work because of the recession?? They are probably the first ones to get out first once the economy improves and/or the pandemic turns for the worse. They got out on relatively better conditions, no reason they won't get out again just as easily when the economy improves or the pandemic turns for the worse. Same with nurses that only went full-time now even though they are career part-timers only (just for the benefits).
I'm not scaring anyone. Just describing the very real possibilities and some facts.
Posted by: Jim | July 12, 2009 at 04:32 AM
I agree with you Jim. When US deparately need nurses in future neither foreign educated or US Nurses will be available. While it will take five to ten years for US to create domestic Nurses, it will alson take at least two years for the hospitals and staffing companies to train the nurses for IELTS, NCLEX, Visa Screen and then immigration processing. Even if a legislation is passed now for 20,000 nurses for next years, I would wonder whether 20,000 qualified nurses will be available and willing to travel to US.
Let us hope the law makers will address the Nurse Bill quickly, otherwise not only the International Nurses will suffer but the US as well.
I spoke to various friends in India and realize that more than 25% of NCLEX qualified Nurses have already moved to Australia, Ireland and New Zeland. Another 25% have already started their process for either European countries or Australia/New Zeland. I read a blog of Chris where he says the EB3 is likely to aggressively move next year. He may be right because, as you said, many may not be interested in US Green Card anymore.
The Nursing Unions will also be at a loss. The need a change fr nurse-patient ratio. Unless they agree to bring in foreign nurses now how do they expect this change. Simple increase their wages cant change the availability of Nurses in USA
Posted by: kavitha | July 12, 2009 at 02:50 AM
Many Internationally-Educated Nurses who all have 'documentarily qualified' cases and just waiting for visa numbers to open up and US-educated foreign nationals who have exhausted their OPT already are applying either to Canada and Australia.
Those who are thinking to start to apply for the US are now thinking to just skip it altogether because the previous batches can't get visas themselves so why would they waste their their time and money as well for nothing ??
If visas for nurses don't open up soon, or given too late these nurses would have already settled in other countries already. Once settled, the percentage of those still willing to pursue their cases to the US will be very low.
Posted by: Jim | July 11, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Conrad 30 extension is a band aid. It happens every couple of years after lobbying and hand wringing. I wish they had not added it. We need the expansion of the program passed, as in the new Conrad bill. If they pass a simple extension there will be no need to consider the revised program. Doctors on J1 will be sent to under served areas and then left to rot waiting a decade for Green Cards (at least those from India and China - > 40%). Such are the workings of Congress.
Posted by: Conrad | July 11, 2009 at 11:08 AM
"George it is always nice to read your posts. You just seem like a very pleasant person. Conrad30 gets pushed throu, investor visas also. How about nurses? When nurses get green cards wouldn't you consider them investors to a certain degree? They would quickly get home loans, car loans, contribute to local economies. Seems like the Government does not seem that. Also some of these nurses would have to sign up with unions as well since some of the hospitals are unionized, therefore unions would get more members too. What does it seem to be a problem in regards to that?"
It is an issue of money. Fewer nurses higher pay. However, it also means higher costs, which means I cannot afford to pay..so I fly to Singapore.
Posted by: George Chell | July 10, 2009 at 08:57 PM
George it is always nice to read your posts. You just seem like a very pleasant person. Conrad30 gets pushed throu, investor visas also. How about nurses? When nurses get green cards wouldn't you consider them investors to a certain degree? They would quickly get home loans, car loans, contribute to local economies. Seems like the Government does not seem that. Also some of these nurses would have to sign up with unions as well since some of the hospitals are unionized, therefore unions would get more members too. What does it seem to be a problem in regards to that?
Posted by: guest | July 10, 2009 at 07:31 PM
"Again nothing attached for nurses who are foreign born. Not to mention for all those nurses who are froeign born but graduated from US schools! What is going on? Why does it seem that noone cares about introducing and passing ammendments for nurses who are so badly needed in the US health care?"
That is why health care costs escalate and I walk away from the US health care and go to Singapore for medical check-up and treatment! I pay less if I went there including air fare and health care expenditures than I would if I went to a US doctor.
Visa Bulleting for August 2009...
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4539.html
Posted by: George Chell | July 10, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Again nothing attached for nurses who are foreign born. Not to mention for all those nurses who are froeign born but graduated from US schools! What is going on? Why does it seem that noone cares about introducing and passing ammendments for nurses who are so badly needed in the US health care?
Posted by: guest | July 10, 2009 at 05:38 PM
sorry it was of 2008, I misread the bulletine from trakitt website.
Posted by: analytical | July 10, 2009 at 10:13 AM
It is already out.Bad news for EB3 as earlier
Posted by: analytical | July 10, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Is DOS thinking of dumping Visa Bulletin on Saturday? I think it was suppose to come out today, anyway it wont have any good news ;) but just wondering. ..
Posted by: John | July 10, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Hi greg
Any chances of nurses shortage bill being attached to hr2892
why do we need to wait CIR for unused visa.Cant it be tackle before CIR.
Thanks
Posted by: analytical | July 10, 2009 at 09:51 AM
"I dont think Democrats (specially Harry Reid) have courage to introduce NURSE SHORTAGE amendment, having veto proof majority (kind of), they are scared to death with REPUBLICANS."
Dont know why. Most in the GOP want to do something about nursing shortage without spending a penny..which means more visas for nurses...except of courst the three racts stooges..Sessions, DeMint and Vitter, and their racist amen corner at the CIS and FAIR, who are more concerned that more non-white Filipinas would come in rather than white Latvians or Russians..I also heard they are decrying mail order brides from Asia, particularly the Philippines which they fear will change the complexion of this country just like that country club operation in Philadelphia fears that blacks in their swimming pool will alter the complexion of their club!
Posted by: George Chell | July 10, 2009 at 09:30 AM
I dont think Democrats (specially Harry Reid) have courage to introduce NURSE SHORTAGE amendment, having veto proof majority (kind of), they are scared to death with REPUBLICANS. Democrats dont want to deal with Nursing Shortage and/or legal immigrant issue, unless they fail in CIR (illegal immigration issue).
I know they have plenty on their plates and President wants Health care done by August Recess, but why cant they try to get Nursing Shortage and/or visa recapture done with this appropriation, I think Democrats need to tackle legal immigrant issue first and then move on to CIR. Wake up HARRY the REID....
Posted by: John | July 10, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I hope they do something about nursing shortage..train more (not likely in this era of budget cuts) or import more. In Singapore colonoscopy costs $680US at the most expensive private hospital whereas here in the US that figure is close to $3,700. The health insurance told me, that I would be paying more out of pocket ($1,800)if I performed it in the US than my air fare and co-payment combine ($1,550). Pretty sad state of affairs!
Posted by: George Chell | July 10, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Hello Greg,
Any chance of getting the nurse bill attached to
hr 2892. Both republicans and democrats have introduced a nurse bill (one for h1B and other for 20,000
EB3 visas each ear for three years). If not with this bill do you expect any movement with Health Reform Bill or the international nurses have to wait for CIR as and when it get passed>
Posted by: kavitha | July 10, 2009 at 06:31 AM
I hope the House extends the three provisions. It is the right thing to do, especially regarding widows.
Posted by: George Chell | July 10, 2009 at 05:19 AM
Seems like the Senate including Republicans support the Legal Immigration. Its the Democracts ,esp Harry Reid not platforming legal immigration bills to favor the legalization of the Illegals in the CIR.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 09, 2009 at 11:58 PM