In Focus
NewsFLASH
June 11, 2007

RECENT CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS

 

U.S. BORDER PASSPORT RULE SUSPENDED - TRAVELERS MUST STILL SHOW PROOF OF PASSPORT APPLICATION

 

The government has suspended the rule requiring U.S. citizens to carry a United States passport when traveling by air between countries in the Western Hemisphere.  Air travelers must still provide evidence that they have applied for a passport, and present a government-issued photo I.D.  Those who have already applied for a passport may obtain proof of application by going to http://travel.state.gov and printing out a receipt. The suspension will be in effect until September 30, 2007.

 

GO: PASSPORT RULE

 
 
CIR - DEAD OR ALIVE?

 

Due to two unsuccessful efforts to get cloture and move the bill forward, Harry Reid yanked the bill, formerly known as the "grand bargain," from the Senate floor on Friday, June 8, 2007.  Many senators both in favor and against the bill opposed a final vote, stating that they needed more time to discuss and review the bill.  Harry Reid had previously said that he did not think that this bill would be revisited if it did not move forward last week.  However, on Sunday, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez indicated that the administration was determined more than ever to push the measure, and stated that walking away from the bill would be "a big mistake."  Despite some viewing this as the bill's death, Senators as well as the President are hopeful that the bill will emerge later this summer, after the Senate has more time to debate the bill and amendments.  Two hotly contested amendments amongst Republican and bipartisan critics are the "amnesty" provision, as well as the provision that would limit the temporary worker program sought by business interests to five years.

 
 

MOMENTUM FOR NURSE BRIDGE LEGISLATION GROWS

 

Even though comprehensive immigration reform has been halted, a recent amendment added to the bill shows that momentum is growing for bridge legislation.  On Friday, June 8, Senator Hutchison and Senator Schumer offered a nurse bridge provision to the bill.  Shortly thereafter Senator Durbin added a second amendment that adds on a training fee of $1500, similar to the H-1 training fee, which is intended to help the U.S. develop its own nurses.  The good news is that these actions clearly demonstrate that creating a solution to the nursing shortage is a priority.

Leslie Davis

Owner - Case Manager

Immigration Solutions

www.immigrationsolution.net

[email protected]