Pieces of "Conrad 30" program included in Gang of 8 immigration bill
Two parts of the newly released "Gang of 8" immigration bill would allow more foreign-born doctors into the nation, potentially helping millions of Americans in underserved areas. The proposal, S. 744, would rapidly expand the H-1B visa program for high-skilled workers, including doctors, from the current 65,000 visa cap to a total cap of 110,000 visas. S. 744 also incorporates parts of S. 616, the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Act that plays heavily into the J-1 visa program that funnels foreign-born doctors directly into underserved rural communities. NRHA has long supported and advocated for the permanent codification of the Conrad State 30 program and applauds the inclusion of this important provision in S. 744.