Bipartisan Immigration Bill Would Bring Fairness to Skilled Worker Visas

(Arlington, VA) – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate per-country caps on the number of skilled workers who may obtain green cards. According to its sponsors, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act increases the per-country caps for family-sponsored green cards from 7 percent to 15 percent. Without adding new green cards, the bill creates a “first-come, first-served” system that alleviates some of the backlogs and allows green cards to be awarded more efficiently. S. 281 is cosponsored by 13 Senators from both parties. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Lofgren (D-CA) and Ken Buck (R-CO).

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“We thank Senators Lee and Harris, as well as Representatives Lofgren and Buck, for introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to eliminate an unfair policy that favors high-skilled workers from one nation over another. According to a recent estimate, workers from some countries will have to wait more than 150 years to obtain a green card, while others face no wait at all. This unfair system makes no sense, which is why there is such broad support in both the House and Senate to eliminate it.

 

This is a good step towards positive reform of our immigration laws. Congress should consider bills like this, which will help deliver a more transparent, efficient, and navigable system that welcomes immigrants who will contribute to this country. We hope leaders will move promptly to debate and pass this worthwhile legislation.”

For interviews with a representative from the LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4433

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