The AAMC joined several correspondences sent on Sept. 29 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressing concern with the proposed rule to eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) visa term in favor of a fixed term framework, not to exceed four years, for most F, J, and I visa holders.
These efforts included a sign-on letter (PDF) led by the Conrad 30 Coalition, sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which argues that the proposed rule would undermine the recruitment and training of skilled international medical graduates (IMGs), create unnecessary administrative burden, and threaten patient care. The letter further details that many IMGs enter the United States on a J-1 visa, which are among the most highly vetted exchange visitors through Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification and standardized examination.
The AAMC also joined a comment on the proposed rule led by the Coalition for Physician Accountability (PDF) — a group representing national organizations responsible for the oversight, education, and assessment of medical students and physicians throughout their medical careers — that urges the preservation of D/S for J-1 physicians and similarly highlights the negative impact the rule would have on physician training, access to health care, and quality of care in the United States. Finally, the AAMC also joined a comment letter led by the American Council on Education (PDF), which outlines the impact of the proposed rule more broadly on international students, J-1 programs, academic institutions, and the entire U.S. economy, and further requests that the DHS withdraw the rule.
In addition to these letter and comments, the AAMC also submitted its own comments on the proposed rule on Sept. 29, detailing the associated administrative and financial burdens that the rule would impose on international learners, the institutions that train them, and the American taxpayer [refer to related story
- Washington Highlights