Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, aliens who participate in medical residencies in the United States on J exchange program visas must generally leave the U.S. at the conclusion of their residencies to reside abroad for 2 years before they can be eligible for permanent residence or status as H-1B or L visa nonimmigrants. The intent behind this policy to encourage American-trained foreign doctors to return home to improve health conditions and advance the medical professions in their native countries. In 1994 Congress created a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement. The waiver was available if requested by State departments of public health for foreign doctors who committed to practice medicine for no less than 3 years in a geographic area or areas designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals. The number of foreign doctors who could receive the waiver was limited to 20 per State. Congress has extended this waiver on multiple occasions and has also expanded the numerical limitation on waivers to 30 per State. The waiver is set to expire on June 1 of this year. In fiscal year 2007, 768 foreign doctors received waivers. H.R. 5571 will further extend the waiver until June 1, 2013. I support this bill. The waiver program assists people in rural and inner-city communities in getting good quality and accessible medical care.”