Bill · H.R. 9234· House(119-HR-9234)
Careworker Visa Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/9/2026
- Last activity
- 6/9/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Gabe Vasquez
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Careworker Visa Act of 2026 establishes a new "W" nonimmigrant visa classification specifically for careworkers. This program is designed to address a shortage of workers providing childcare, eldercare, and support for individuals with disabilities. The bill allows for sponsorship by covered employers, such as families or small caregiving businesses, provided they meet specific wage and legal standards. It includes pathways for status adjustment to permanent residency and provides protections for workers' rights. The program is capped at 100,000 visas per fiscal year.
Yes· 3 of 26
Would immigrants be better off under this?+7
The bill provides a dedicated nonimmigrant visa classification and an adjustment of status pathway for certain undocumented workers.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?+6
The bill establishes a structured nonimmigrant visa program and status adjustment pathways for certain undocumented careworkers currently present in the country.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The legislation directly addresses the growing demand for eldercare and non-medical assistance for older adults.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Addressing Labor Shortages: The bill seeks to solve the growing shortage of qualified workers for childcare, eldercare, and disability support (Section 2).
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Economic Support for Families: Access to reliable care can help other American workers stay in the workforce (Section 2).
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Wage Protections: The act mandates that careworkers be paid the prevailing wage for their occupation and area (Section 4, paragraph 5).
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Workplace Rights and Protections: The bill includes non-retaliation protections to prevent employers from using immigration status as coercion or punishing workers for reporting violations (Section 4, paragraph 9).
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Whistleblower Protections: Workers are protected from being fired, demoted, or harassed for reporting violations or participating in investigations (Section 5).
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Pathways to Permanent Residency: The bill provides a process for workers to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents (Section 4, paragraph 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Employer Restrictions and Ineligibility: Certain employers are barred from participating if they have recent violations regarding minimum wage, overtime, or safety standards (Section 4, paragraph 1).
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Strict Eligibility Requirements for Workers: Workers must pass background checks, which include criminal record reviews (Section 4, paragraph 3).
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Financial Burdens for Workers: Individuals seeking status adjustment may be required to pay various fees and settle any owed taxes (Section s4, paragraph 3).
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Visa Limitations: There is an annual cap of 100,000 visas, which may lead to a situation where demand exceeds the available supply (Section 4, paragraph 7).
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Employment Limitations: Employment authorization is tied specifically to the approved employer (Section 4, paragraph 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+7Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Children+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Women+4Good For Business Owners+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For High Income Households+2Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Men+2Good For Veterans+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+4Improves Small Business Support+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+6Improves Disability Rights+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+2Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3
- 9/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Pablo HernándezDemocrat · Puerto Rico
Debbie Wasserman SchultzDemocrat · Florida