Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 22:50:25 -0700 From: Norm Matloff To: Norm Matloff Subject: update on Chambliss bill To: H-1B/L-1/offshoring e-newsletter The enclosure below is from a newsletter for immigration lawyers. Since the American Immigration Lawyers Association has major clout on the Hill, the information here is probably accurate and up-to-date. I heard similar information from an independent channel. Norm -----------------IMMIGRATION DAILY FROM ILW.COM------------------ October 1, 2004 http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/immigdaily/digest/2004,1001.shtm 1. COMMENT On The Hill: H-1B And L Visa Reform In the waning days of the 108th Congress, a number of hard-fought immigration-related bills remain pending. One of them is H-1B/L visa reform, including quota relief. Because of the shortened legislative calendar, and despite the promise of a lame duck session, immigration bills will likely be attached to conference reports of unrelated bills, either in committee or on the floor. Which means that there will likely not be a whole lot of debate between the floating of a legislative compromise and final enactment. The central concept that appears to have both bi- partisan and bi-cameral support is H-1B quota relief in exchange for restrictions on the L visa. The H-1B quota relief is likely to be confined to those with masters and higher degrees. The L visa restrictions are likely to include an LCA requirement and a trimming, if not elimination of the "functional manager" concept. The odds are that the H-1B/L visa reform will materialize only in the lame duck session tentatively scheduled to begin sometime before November 20th. However, a last minute surprise within the next week cannot be ruled out as part of the passage of the continuing resolution or the 9/11 Commission bill. Immigration Daily will keep you on top of news as it develops.