Senate Immigration Debate Stalls

April 12, 2006

As has been widely publicized, a Congressional vote on “immigration reform” has stalled because of the inability of Republican and Democratic Senators to reach a compromise on several contentious issues. Before the Senate recess last week, it appeared that solutions had been devised to provide a path to permanent residence for the undocumented population and a temporary Guest Worker Program for future visitors. The Senate has now begun a two-week recess, and it remains to be seen whether immigration reform will resume its priority on the agenda when lawmakers return on April 24, 2006.

In the meantime, we strongly encourage you to contact your Senators at their district offices to urge them to support the Specter Bill reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee because it is the only proposal that includes pro-business provisions, such as an increase in the H-1B and employment-based immigrant visa quotas.

Please contact any member of the Cohen & Grigsby Immigration Department if you need assistance contacting your local Senator.