Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act -- S.744
Normally, I don't want to comment on pending bills. But, there has been many questions regarding this. So, I thought I will write a blog.
Please remember for a bill to become law it has so many hoops to pass. It takes unexpected twists and turns throughout its journey. For now, the bill has passed Senate Judiciary Committee with 13-5 votes. Good part is, it has been introduced by the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” -- 4 senators from Democratic side and 4 Senators from Republican Side. Bad part is, it already has 5 "No" votes. It is expected to be taken up by Senate for debate on June 10. Once it passes the senate, it will go to House committee and then it will go to house for voting. Both Senate and House has to pass the exact bill and then it goes to the President for signature to become law. Just to give an idea on how tough it is, the Senate committee had to deal with about 300 amendments (changes) to the bill. We can expect more in Senate and more in House.
According to the Bill as it stands now, it exempts the following from the green card quota:
1. Folks with Ph.D.
2. Folks with STEM Masters degree from US University
3. Spouse and minor children of primary applicant
4. Physicians after completing residency requirements
5. Folks who fall under current EB1 category
It also has among other things:
1. Per country cap elimination
2. Recapure of Visas
3. More H1b quota
4. Provision for H4 to work
5. Giving Green Card to folks currently waiting for 3 years or more
Murthy.Com has a very good summary here
To see the Bill you can check The Library of Congress PDF
To keep up with that Bill check The Library of Congress Status
