Speech #900035595

A considerable number of aliens have entered this country pursuant to the foreign exchange visitors program to receive sophisticated training as medical doctors. nurses. and aids. Many of these aliens would not be able to receive comparable training in the hospitals and medical institutions of their homeland. To avoid the foreign exchange program being used as a back door for immigration. the Cultural Exchange Act provides that no person admitted under this program shall be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or for permanent residence. or for a nonimmigrant visa until such person has residedphysically presentin the country of his nationality or his last residence. or in another foreign country. for an aggregate of at least 2 years following his departure from the United States after his trainingPublic Law 87256. section 101(A) 15(J). 101(A)15(H). A waiver of this 2year foreign residence requirement may be obtained in certain circumstances. Under the law. upon favorable recommendation of the Secretary of State. and pursuant to the request of an interested U.S. agency. such as HEW. the 2year foreign residence requirement may be waived by the Attorney General in the case of any alien whose admission to the United States is found by the Attorney General to be in the public interest.