NEWS

Bill to Level Employment-Based Visas Numbers Among Countries

On April 29, 2008, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced H.R. 5921:  High Skilled Per Country Level Elimination Act.  According to the Congressional Research Service, this Act “amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants; (2) increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants; (3) establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus the previous year’s unused visas; and (4) establish the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 minus the number of certain aliens not subject to direct numerical limitations plus the previous year’s unused visas (such annual level shall not be less than 226,000.)” 

On June 3, 2008, it was referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.  To read the full text, go to the government tracker website.