US: Expiring Programs Extended with Continuing Resolution
US: Expiring Programs Extended with Continuing Resolution
On September 30, 2009, the United States Senate approved a continuing resolution to fund the government for another month until Congress can pass an actual appropriation bill for fiscal year 2010. With the House of Representatives having passed the same continuing resolution, the Senate’s latest action prevents a shutdown of the government.
Four immigration-related programs, expiring on September 30, are extended through the continuing resolution until October 31, 2009. These programs are 1) E-Verify (electronic employment eligibility verification); 2) the “Conrad-30” waiver program for physicians that work in underserved areas; 3) the “regional center” program under the 5th preference immigrant visa classification (EB-5) for investors and job creators; and 4) the special immigrant nonminister religious worker program.
Previously, the House and Senate each passed a version of the Homeland Security Appropriation bill for the new fiscal year, but the two chambers have not yet reconciled the differences and therefore have not yet presented a final version for the President’s signature. Provisions to extend the immigration programs are among the differences. For example, the Senate bill would extend the E-Verify program indefinitely and would codify a regulation mandating most federal contractors to participate in this voluntary program. The House version would only extend the current E-Verify program for two years. In addition, the Senate has approved a permanent extension of the EB-5 regional center program, but there remains some opposition in the House from those who believe that such permanent extension belongs in a comprehensive immigration reform bill.
In the meantime, leaders in the House and Senate and top Obama Administration officials continue to examine key questions to be addressed in comprehensive immigration reform. Although the date to unveil an actual bill has been delayed several times, Congress and the White House have been meeting with stakeholders ranging from immigrant rights to business across all sectors, and the issues examined include legalization of the undocumented population, access to talent globally, and enhanced technology for employment verification.
President Obama has said that immigration reform will be on the legislative agenda in 2010. Most observers believe that the timing will depend on Congress’s handling of other priorities such as healthcare reform.
Source: Fragomen
Related News Stories: