Political Quotes

“this is very simple. It is an extension of the popular J-1 visa program for 6 years. If we fail to do this, the authority runs out June 1. Mr. President, the J-1 visa waiver permits each of our States to extend 20 waivers a year. And 21 of our States have already done it. More are interested in doing it. They will not have a chance if the authority runs out June 1. Mr. President, the amendment I am sponsoring would extend what has become known by some as the ``Conrad State 20 Program.'' In 1994, I added a provision to the visa extension bill that allows state health departments or their equivalents to participate in the process of obtaining J-1 visa waivers. This process allows a foreign medical graduate (FMG) who has secured employment in the United States to waive the J-1 visa program's 2 year residency requirement. As a condition of the J-1 visa, FMGs must return to their home countries for at least 2 years after their visas expire before being eligible to return. However, if the home countries do not object, FMGs can follow a waiver process that allows them to remain and work here in a designated health professional shortage area or medically underserved area.”