  |
 |
|
3/28/2006 IMMIGRATION ALERT:
NO NURSE GREEN CARD QUOTA FOR SEVEN YEARS?!
As we mentioned on last night’s
Healthcare Immigration Advocacy Blog entry, the SJC has
passed a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. This is the first step in
what promises to be a big Congressional fight, the outcome of which may
settle the immigration debate for some time.
Most relevant for foreign healthcare recruiting is the news that Sen.
Brownback’s amendment passed the SJC by a voice vote. The amendment exempts
foreign nurses from the overall green card quota. Sen. Brownback agreed to
Sen. Kennedy’s request to limit the exemption to seven years.
There also is a nonimmigrant visa provision in the main body of the bill.
Initial reports are that nurses (but not physical therapists) would be
allowed to apply for a new nonimmigrant visa (similar to an H-1B, but with
fewer restrictions).
The next step in the process is for the Senate, as a whole, to vote on the
measure. It is expected that this will happen this week, perhaps as soon as
Wednesday. It will likely pass.
After that will be the big negotiation between the Senate and House, it is
imperative that EVERYONE send a letter to their Representative in Congress.
Shortly we will post template letters to the
Healthcare Immigration Advocacy Blog
. So be sure to check it regularly.
All in all this is great news and a great start to the lobbying effort.
You can bookmark our Blog, which is updated
very often, with this link:
http://hammondlawgroup.blogspot.com/.
Keep up with the latest Immigration News by signing up
for all of Hammond Law Group LLC's free publications:
Immigration Alerts, Medical Monthly Monitor and Business Immigration
Quarterly.
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/mailing_list.htm
[back to main listing]
|
|
|
