SB744 GETS OUT OF JUDICIARY

Good news, the immigration reform bill SB744 got out of the Senate judiciary committee yesterday with a few wonderful amendments.
One great amendment included adding the dual intent language to students (F-1), exchange visitors (J-1) which includes foreign doctors, E, O, P, V or W.
It also allows for a waiver for people previously removed in some cases.
There was a settlement between Senators Hatch and Schumer on H-1B cap - to go up to 180,000 based on market demand/need.
Also, increased portability for people applying for employment-based green cards and other provisions which are mostly positive.
Now the vote...

METRO ATLANTA CHAMBER SUPPORTS IMMIGRATION REFORM

The board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber agreed today to certain immigration reforms, adopting a position similar to the U.S. Chamber and other business organizations. The Chamber says expanding the EB-5, J-1 and H-1B visa programs are critical to increased competitiveness.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber said employment, investment and student-based visas are of particular interest to it. It supports removing barriers to recruiting highly-skilled talent and expertise. The Metro Chamber's position states: "Strengthening visa policy to allow the world's best and brightest to work and invest in the U.S. is a path toward economic growth and expansion."

Great move by the chamber!

ECONOMISTS AGREE IMMIGRATION REFORM WOULD BOOST U.S. ECONOMY

Economist at the Milken conference agree that immigration reform would boost the U.S. economy. Unlike the biased opinions recently appearing in the media by one economist saying it will cost a whole lot, most economists of note agree that immigration reform would boost the U.S. economy. Read more at:

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-milken-immigration-strategy-20130429,0,3473468.story?utm_source=AILA+Mailing&utm_campaign=9b99cb18c6-AILA8_5_1_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3c0e619096-9b99cb18c6-287750013

CBP DOES AWAY WITH I-94S

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started implementing the automated version of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, at air and sea ports of entry. Implementation will continue across the nation through May 21, to include air and sea ports of entry that support international arrivals.
CBP will stop giving away I-94s and instead stamp each foreign national's passport with the entry date, admission status and expiration date listed on the admission stamp and enter all their data into the electronic system. The individuals will be able to access their electronic Form I-94 by visiting www.cbp.gov/I94 and print out their I-94s.
As evidence of lawful admission submitted with a benefit request, USCIS will accept the electronic Form I-94 in paper format obtained from CBP’s website as equivalent to the paper versions of Form I-94. In lieu of submitting the electronic Form I-94 in paper format, USCIS will also accept photocopies of the passport pages that contain the individual’s biographical information, visa and admission stamp.
We'll have to wait and see how smooth this process will actually be...