New H-1B Category for nationals of Chile and Singapore - on July 10, the House Judiciary Committee drafted legislation for the U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Chile and Singapore. One important provision of this proposed law would create two H-1B visa categories: H-1B(I) and H-1B(II). The H-1B(I) category represents the current H-1B program while the H-1B (II) visas would be issued to nationals of Chile (1400 visas) and Singapore (5400 visas). The H-1B (II) visas would count towards the overall annual cap on H-1B (which currently is 195,000 but will revert to 65,000 visas in October).

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, recently introduced S. 1387, the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2003. This bill would establish a guest worker program making certain foreign workers eligible for a temporary “W” visa. Foreign nationals living outside the U.S. and those living in the U.S. with or without legal status will able to a W visa, and after three years in W status, these worker may be able to obtain permanent residence if they meet the requirements of an evaluation system to be established by the Department of Homeland Security In the system, points will be given to each applicant who can demonstrate an employer sponsor, promotions or pay increases, payment of taxes, proficiency in spoken English, completion of education, and no criminal activity.

Representative Tom Tancredo, a Republican from Colorado, introduced a bill on July 9 to completely eliminate the H-1B visa program for temporary workers.

Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, introduced a bill on July 10 that would, among other things, add a prevailing wage requirement to L-1 visas.

To voice your opinion about any of these bills to your Senator of House representative, go to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.