Federal officials could fund health career support for immigrants

The federal health secretary may award grants to reduce barriers to entering nursing or related health professions. The grants cover permanent residents, refugees, people granted asylum, and other immigrants allowed to work in the United States. State, local, and Tribal governments that receive grants must use them to reduce these barriers. Allowed uses may include training, licensing or certification costs, living support while studying for an exam, English classes, and help getting overseas records.

Covered immigrants may be eligible to serve in the National Health Service Corps and participate in its scholarship or loan repayment programs. The provision covers permanent residents, refugees, people granted asylum, and other immigrants allowed to work in the United States. This exception overrides laws that would otherwise require Corps members to be U.S. citizens or nationals. Eligibility does not guarantee service, a scholarship, or loan repayment.