The House of Representative of the United States of America (USA) recently passed a bill that would make it easier for foreign nurses to work and live in America. Under the new law, non-immigrant nurses, can change employers even while their new visa is still in process.

Based on the report of Asian Journal, US Representative, Joe Heck said, “We just passed a bill that changes the visa requirements to allow more foreign nurses to come and stay in the country."

Heck said that about the new bill, House Resolution (HR) 1933 during a forum with business leaders from Asia that was held in Las Vegas last August 15.

The bill that is actually an amendment of the Immigration and Nationality Act was passed on August 1 and is now in the Senate for deliberation.

This is what the bill states, “A nonimmigrant alien who was previously issued a visa or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status…is authorized to accept new employment performing services as a registered nurse…upon the filing by the prospective employer of a new petition on behalf of such nonimmigrant."

“Employment authorization shall continue for such alien until the new petition is adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, such authorization shall cease," the bill adds.

According to Heck who is a doctor and used to work at the Emergency Room of the University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas, the new bill will help the country cope with the problem of nursing shortage.

He also recognized the large number of Filipino nurses in UMC by saying, “there is a large Filipino nurse population at UMC." Some 2,000 Filipino nurses are living in Las Vegas.”

“(Nurses) would come to the US on a visa that is tied to their job at a particular hospital. We are trying to change that," Heck added.

The US congressman also said that the new law would not only improve healthcare delivery, but generate businesses and job opportunities.

He said, “Everything we do is aimed at trying to revamp the entrepreneurial spirit."