#United States #Washington #Nigerian Physicians #J-1 Visa #Advocacy Group

Nigerian Medical Advocates Rally on Capitol Hill for J-1 Visa Reform

On June 10-11, 2025, the Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group (NPAG) will host a two-day Advocacy & Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. This important event aims to underscore the vital roles that Nigerian American physicians play in helping to alleviate healthcare shortages in the United States. The NPAG seeks legislative action to reform the J-1 visa program and to support the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1201), commonly known as the 'Doctors in Our Borders' bill. The event will be led by Dr. Susan Edionwe, alongside a group of Nigerian American physicians, health advocates, and community leaders, all united in their purpose.

The call for reform comes amidst concerning trends regarding international students in U.S. universities and increasing denials of J-1 visa applications. These issues have hindered the ability of qualified international medical graduates (IMGs), particularly those trained in Nigeria, from applying their expert skills in underserved and rural communities across the country. The NPAG emphasizes the crucial contributions of Nigerian American doctors in the U.S. healthcare system and the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers that inhibit their ability to serve.

Dr. Edionwe expressed, "Doctors from Nigeria and across Africa have long served in America's most vulnerable communities—from inner cities to remote rural counties. Fixing the J-1 process and passing H.R. 1201 is essential to ensuring our communities have access to the care they desperately need."

The NPAG is urging policymakers, allies, and media representatives to recognize the indispensable contributions of Nigerian and African-trained physicians within the American healthcare landscape. They advocate for legislative measures that would protect and expand the roles these doctors play in advancing health equity on a national level.

Understanding H.R. 1201

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1201) is a bipartisan legislative initiative designed to reauthorize and expand the Conrad 30 waiver program, allowing J-1 physicians to remain in the U.S. after completing their residency by serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). This legislation would provide states with increased flexibility, elevate waiver limits, and mitigate processing delays. Such updates are intended to help maintain the essential healthcare services that medically underserved communities depend on.

About NPAG

The Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group is a national coalition of Nigerian American doctors and advocates dedicated to promoting health equity, influencing inclusive immigration practices, and addressing the challenges faced by the physician workforce in the United States. Their rally on Capitol Hill represents a significant step towards bridging gaps in the healthcare system and advocating for those who serve the most vulnerable populations.

With hopes of initiating concrete policy advancements, the NPAG's Advocacy & Lobby Day serves not only as a platform for raising awareness but also as a call to action for meaningful reform in healthcare accessibility and immigration law. The impact of Nigerian and African physicians on American healthcare is profound, and their continued service is essential to ensuring that communities across the nation receive adequate medical care.