Immigration Update

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved the most significant overhaul of U.S. immigration laws since 1986.  In a 68-32 vote, the Senate passed the sweeping measure that offers key provisions such as:

• $46 billion investment to increase border security
• A path to American citizenship for 11 million unauthorized immigrants
• An increase in H-1B visa numbers
• Creation of several brand-new temporary work visa categories including one for entrepreneurs   

While the Senate bill is supported by President Obama, the bill faces strong opposition in the House of Representatives as many House members oppose giving legal status and eventual citizenship to the undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The House leaders have announced that they will draft their own immigration bill with a priority on border security.

We will continue to provide updates on developments in immigration reform as they become available.  If you have questions regarding this update, please contact a member of the Moore & Van Allen Global Immigration Team.