November 6, 2005

Update on Legislation to Increase H-1B and Employment Based Visas is On the Move - But Still in Early Stages

O November 3, the US Senate passed the Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act by a vote of 52-47. That legislation included language that would address the H-1B visa shortage and impose higher fees. Senator Byrd of west Virginia attempted an include an amendment that would have imposed an additional $1500 fee on L-1 filings. This amendment was defeated however. The more comprehensive proposal that we had previously mentioned in our October 21 article at http://www.ilawus.com/news/128, has yet tocome to the floor of the Senate for a full vote.

For immigration reform to be successful, both the House and Senate must pass their own versions of the same reform. The differences in both versions will be worked out in compromise committee, and a single version offered to the Congress (House and Senate). If the Congress votes to pass this single version, it will be sent to the President for signature, whereafter it becomes law.

So we are still in the early stages of this process, and will keep you updated as it evolves.

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