Profession
Visa waiver program set to run out
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 10, 2006
The J-1 visa waiver program, through which international medical graduates are hired to work in underserved areas, will sunset in June, leaving new IMGs with J-1 visas ineligible to apply for the waiver. However, those already training in the United States on a J-1 visa still can seek a waiver.
The waiver program forgives the requirement that IMGs return to their native country after graduating if they serve for at least three years in an underserved area.
Legislation to permanently reauthorize the waiver program is circulating through Congress.
An amendment reauthorizing the program was introduced in the Senate as part of a larger immigration reform package. A comprehensive immigration bill in the House was passed earlier this year.
At the same time, stand-alone bills in the House and Senate permanently reauthorizing the waiver program were introduced by Reps. Jerry Moran, (R, Kan.) and Earl Pomeroy (D, N.D.) and Sens. Kent Conrad (D, N.D.) and Sam Brownback (R, Kan.).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/04/10/prbf0410.htm.