Dear Readers:

I’m back in the office after going to Capitol Hill to lobby on S. 2130, the legislation that will extend the Conrad 30 waiver program for foreign physicians. Certainly that bill is important and as it makes progress, we’ll report on its movement. But the one thing that becomes more and more apparent to me each time I go to Washington to advocate on an issue is how important such visits are in influencing the political process.

I’ve heard one person on the Hill say that one personal visit is worth a thousand letters on an issue. That might be a slight exaggeration. But the point is still valid. One who bothers to take time out of their schedule and pay for a trip to the Capitol is presumably much more concerned about an issue than someone who writes a letter or phones (or does nothing at all). And it is far easier to explain a complicated issue in person than to depend on a Congressional aide to figure it out from a letter.

That certainly was the case on this trip. I visited with two physicians representing hospitals that are deeply affected by the physician shortage in the US. We had the opportunity to visit with three Senators’ offices and three members of the House of Representatives. In each case, we first had to spend a few minutes introducing the Congressmen and their aides to the complicated topic of J-1 home residency requirements. But once we were able to get that out of the way, we were able to explain what some of the current problems are and how legislation could be helpful. We also were able to ask for the Senators and Representatives to sign on to the bills as co-sponsors and to call their colleagues to urge support.

You will find it helpful, of course, to advocate for positions that can draw bipartisan support and which a member of Congress can endorse knowing that they’re not going to get into trouble. But even if your position is one that a member of Congress philosophically opposes, it still helps to provide an alternate view. For example, a member of Congress may feel more constrained about vocally speaking out against immigrants when he or she knows that people in his state or district really feel opposed to such views. They may be less likely to join an anti-immigration caucus and co-sponsor anti-immigration legislation even if they won’t change their votes.

I still encourage everyone to write letters and make phone calls. These forms of communication still make a difference. But every once in a while when there is a big issue, consider getting on a plane and going to Washington. It can make a huge difference.

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Speaking of Capitol Hill, the Democrats introduced their major immigration reform package, five months after the President. Of course, there are serious doubts about either proposal moving anywhere this year. But the plans set the tone of the debate and will no doubt be major topics of discussion after the elections. So they should not be ignored.

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Finally, as always, we remind readers that we're lawyers who make our living representing immigration clients and employers seeking to comply with immigration laws. We would love to discuss becoming your law firm. Just go to http://www.visalaw.com/intake.html to request an appointment or call us at 800-748-3819 or 901-682-6455.

Regards,

Greg Siskind