Congress to Consider Multiple Bills That Would Reform the H-1B Visa Program – Atlanta Immigration Lawyer Insights
Multiple bills have been proposed in the Senate and House
that would dramatically reform the H-1B visa program. According to MSN,
these bills are intended to prevent U.S. companies from abusing the H-1B visa
program and to encourage businesses to hire U.S. citizens rather than
immigrants.
If you own a business and you employ H-1B or L-1 workers, it
is imperative that you understand how these bills could affect your company. At
this point, employment visa reform seems likely, and it is vital that your
company takes preemptive steps to adapt.
Charles Kuck is an employment visa attorney in Atlanta who
can evaluate your situation and provide comprehensive legal guidance. Mr. Kuck
will answer your questions and explain how the proposed bills could affect your
company’s future. Call 404-816-8611 to schedule a consultation at Kuck
Immigration Partners.
Let’s take a look at four proposed bills that could have a
profound impact on the H-1B program:
1. The High-Skilled
Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren recently introduced the High-Skilled
Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017, which would more than double the
minimum salary for H-1B visa holders. Lofgren and supporters of the bill assert
that the higher salary will give companies more incentive to hire U.S.
citizens. If passed, the legislation would also prevent employers from reducing
beneficiary wages, even if the employee voluntarily authorizes the deduction.
2. The H-1B and L-1
Visa Reform Act
Another proposed bill, the H-1B
and L-1 Visa Reform Act, seeks to prohibit large companies with more than
50 employees, half of whom are H-1B or L-1 visa holders, from hiring more
employees through the H-1B visa program. The bill also prohibits companies from
replacing American workers with L-1 or H-1B visa holders.
The bill specifically targets outsourcing companies that
bring in L-1 and H-1B workers for temporary training jobs and then send the
workers back to their home countries to work the same job. If passed, the
legislation would also give foreign students who were educated in the United
States priority on visas. It would also eliminate the green card lottery
system.
3. The Fairness for
High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2017
Another bill, the Fairness
for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2017, would introduce a
first-come-first-serve system to replace the per-country immigration caps. Its
purpose is to ensure that visa caps do not prevent U.S. companies from hiring
the most skilled immigrants.
4. The Reforming
American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act
Yet another bill, the Reforming
American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act, was introduced on
February 7. It proposes a reduction of overall immigration to 637,960 in its
first year and to 539,958 by its 10th year. This would be a 50-percent
reduction from 2015, when 1,051,031 immigrants arrived to the United States.
If you employ H-1B or L-1 workers and you would like to
prepare your company for visa reforms, contact Kuck Immigration Partners.
Charles Kuck is an employment visa attorney in Atlanta who will help you
prepare for potential changes to the H-1B and L-1 visa programs. Call 404-816-8611
to schedule a consultation.
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