A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +7
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill provides a dedicated nonimmigrant visa classification and an adjustment of status pathway for certain undocumented workers.
- Scored +6
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?
The bill establishes a structured nonimmigrant visa program and status adjustment pathways for certain undocumented careworkers currently present in the country.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill provides a dedicated nonimmigrant visa classification and an adjustment of status pathway for certain undocumented workers. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The legislation specifically incorporates in-home personal support for individuals with disabilities. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees and older adults benefit directly from increased availability of eldercare and in-home support workers. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The legislation directly addresses the growing demand for eldercare and non-medical assistance for older adults. Would children be better off under this? — The inclusion of childcare providers helps expand access to qualified developmental support and supervision for families. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class families facing severe careworker shortages benefit from expanded access to legal caregiving options. Would women be better off under this? — Women frequently shoulder primary caregiving responsibilities and stand to benefit heavily from structured care support and employment protections. Would business owners be better off under this? — Small caregiving businesses and families are granted a legal framework to sponsor qualified employees. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Many potential beneficiaries of the status adjustment and visa program come from immigrant communities. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged adults balancing careers often require eldercare and childcare services supported by this legislation. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? Would Black Americans be better off under this? Would Asian Americans be better off under this? Would high-income households be better off under this? Would households on low incomes be better off under this? Would men be better off under this? Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill creates a dedicated visa program and legal pathway for careworkers, helping alleviate labor shortages in childcare and eldercare sectors. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By expanding access to reliable childcare and eldercare, the bill enables more family members to remain in the active workforce. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Small caregiving businesses with fewer than 25 employees are explicitly included as eligible sponsors to meet their staffing needs.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — The bill establishes a structured nonimmigrant visa program and status adjustment pathways for certain undocumented careworkers currently present in the country. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill includes provisions specifically for in-home support staff for individuals with disabilities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill incorporates structured waiver processes, motion procedures for removal orders, and robust whistleblower safeguards. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation mandates regular reports to congressional committees regarding program implementation and wage complaints. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill establishes federal agency oversight through the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security for the new visa program.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The legislation supports in-home and community-level personal support services for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
- 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