Speech #1010216747

To qualify for H1 status. a foreigntrained physical therapist must have his or her educational experience certified by a private educational credentialed review agency as at least the equivalent of domestic physical therapy programs. In addition. one must pass a State examination and practice under State licensure. The bill as written can be interpreted as excluding physical therapists as a profession for inclusion into the H1B Program. This can occur because a small minority of foreigntrained physical therapists. coming into the United States. graduate from programs with less than a bachelors degree. The nationwide shortage of physical therapists requires that the ability to employ foreigntrained physical therapists must not be impeded. The severity of the shortage is reflected in the fact that physical therapists and professional nurses are the only two health care professions that are on the Department of Labors schedule A. the listing of those professions which are certified as having a labor shortage pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(14). In 1989. Congress responded to the similar crisis in nursing by enacting the Immigration Nursing Relief Act of My amendment would do the same thing with physical therapists. but in reviewing this with staff for both sides. and the gentleman from Connecticut the chairman of the subcommittee. I believe a colloquy can resolve this matter. I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman now. and perhaps I could clarify that and avoid this section 104(c)(3) establishes a new HlB category. to be comprised of specialty occupations.