NM U.S. Rep. Vasquez introduces bill to create visa pathway for qualified caregivers

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced a bill this week that would create a visa pathway for caregivers to work in the U.S., addressing a shortage in workers that particularly impacts New Mexico.

The Careworker Visa Act, cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-P.A.), would create a three-year work authorization opportunity for qualified childcare providers, eldercare workers and in-home caregivers, giving approved applicants legal status and filling much needed positions.

“It is an economic bill in the sense that it frees up parents and caretakers to be able to pursue job opportunities and educational opportunities,” Vasquez said in a virtual press conference Tuesday. “This is an immigration reform bill. We know that the majority of our caregivers in the state of New Mexico, and a whole bunch all across the country, come from immigrant backgrounds, are immigrants themselves or are undocumented.”

Vasquez said the bill would open 100,000 visa positions annually. He added that despite New Mexico’s commitment to universal child care, thousands of caregiver positions remain unfilled leaving many without access to care. New Mexico is also projected to have one of the highest percentages of residents aged 65 and older within the next few years.

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According to a news release from Vasquez’s office, the cost of childcare has increased by about 8% since 2024 and in-home eldercare costs have increased by about 10%. Qualified caregivers would be able to apply from their countries of origin or if they have been in the U.S. since 2024, pass a background check and pay a $500 fee and taxes.

Those who are granted the W visa could renew their visas after three years or apply for permanent residency. Qualified employers would include individuals and families employing careworkers in a private residence setting or small caregiving businesses with fewer than 25 employees.

“Care is the work that makes all other work possible. It’s the foundation on which everything else in our economy and our society lies, and right now that foundation is cracking,” Ai-jen Poo, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, said during the press conference. Her organization endorsed the Careworker Visa Act. “Immigrant workers represent about a third of all care workers in our country. They are the very beating heart of our care system, and they have been for a long time.”