Doctors in our Borders Act
H.R. 1201, the Doctors in our Borders Act, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the cap on Conrad 30 waivers. Specifically, it replaces the current limit of “not exceed 30” waivers with a new limit of “not exceed 100” waivers. The Conrad 30 program allows foreign-trained physicians on J-1 visas to work in medically underserved areas in exchange for a waiver of the obligation to return to their home country for two years. By raising the cap, the bill would permit more physicians who participate in this program to stay and practice in underserved communities. The bill’s text is narrowly focused on increasing the numerical cap and does not include additional funding, new program requirements, or geographic targeting beyond the existing Conrad 30 framework. If enacted, the practical effect would be to enable more J-1 physicians to receive waivers and fulfill service commitments in underserved areas, potentially expanding physician access in those communities.
Key Points
- 1Title and purpose: The bill is named the “Doctors in our Borders Act” and seeks to increase the number of Conrad 30 waivers available under the INA.
- 2Numerical change: Amends Section 214(l)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to raise the cap from “to exceed 30” waivers to “to exceed 100” waivers.
- 3Mechanism: The change directly alters the statutory limit on how many physicians may receive Conrad 30 waivers, which enable J-1 physicians to avoid the two-year home residency requirement if they commit to serving in underserved areas.
- 4Scope of change: The text does not add funding or new program rules beyond increasing the waiver cap; it does not specify geographic allocation or other eligibility changes beyond the cap itself.
- 5Status: Introduced in the House on February 11, 2025; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. No further action yet reflected in the provided text.