Bill tackles nurse immigration

The new immigration law before the Senate contains language that would dramatically change U.S. visa requirements for nurses, opening the door to a wave of new arrivals from countries like the Philippines. Critics say the new rules could seriously hurt healthcare in the Philippines and similar countries by causing a shortage of trained staff. The American Nurses Association opposes the measure, noting that an influx of new talent could repress wages. Hospitals are quietly supportive, particularly in states like California, where a shortage of qualified nurses has led to turmoil within the industry.

- see this New York Times article