December 22, 2005
Senate Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill Without H-1B and EB Visa Provisions

On December 20, the Senate approved a conference report on the budget reconciliation bill (S. 1932) that did NOT include the Senate Judiciary Committee’s provisions to recapture unused H-1B and employment-based visa numbers. The House proposal to impose a $1,500 fee increase on L visas was also stripped from the final bill. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51-50 (Vice President Cheney cast the tie-breaking vote). Before the bill passed, Senate Democrats forced the removal of three provisions that violated Senate rules. Because the bill was amended, it must now return to the House for final passage. Most likely, the House will pass the bill as it is, without the H-1B and EB visa provisions. We are deeply disappointed in this outcome and will be exploring other legislative vehicles for H-1B blackout and retrogression relief. We hope you will continue with us in this fight.

Posted on AILA InfoNet Dec. 22, 2005