The committee’s final vote was 13-5. The legislation now moves to the full Senate, where debate is expected to begin after Memorial Day.

A provision of the bill would make it easier for U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers. It raises the cap on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 115,000, with an escalator that can increase with demand to 180,000.  H-1B visas allow employers to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialized or technical expertise in a particular field or specialty occupation that requires theoretical or technical expertise.

The immigration bill represents a win for the high-tech industry trying to fill positions with qualified workers. The bill would make it easier for employers to hire foreign workers, as it lightens their burden to demonstrate they first tried to hire a qualified American worker. At the same time, it includes a mechanism that would increase the number of visas available for foreign workers if skilled Americans are not available, and decrease the visa allowance when they are.

A revised Form I-9 does not have to be completed for current employees. However, after May 7, 2013, for purposes of rehiring or reverifying an employee’s employment authorization, employers must use the new I-9 form.

The new Form I-9 is a 2 page electronically fillable document.

Click here for the new Form I-9.

To learn more about the new Form I-9 and employer responsibilities, attend the Allott Immigration Law Firm seminar on the following dates and locations:

Thursday May 30, 2013
1:00 – 4:00pm
The Phoenix at Steamboat
2315 Apres Ski Way
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Wednesday June 19, 2013
9:00am – Noon
Allott Immigration Law Firm
2305 East Arapahoe Road, Suite 100
Centennial, CO 80122

To Register call 303-797-8055

According to Goss, the Senate Immigration Bill:

…includes extensive provisions for the treatment of individuals living in the United States without current legal documentation as of December 31, 2011. We estimate that there were about 11.5 million such individuals, of whom about 8 million will apply for and be granted Registered Provisional Immigrant (RPI) status. Many of these individuals already work in the country in the underground economy, not paying taxes, and will begin paying taxes upon application for RPI.

Furthermor, he states:

Over this longer time frame, benefits will become more significant for those with additional earnings taxed and credited. However, over this same longer time frame, the additional births for the increased population under this bill will have substantial positive effects. Overall, we anticipate that the net effect of this bill on the long-range OASDI actuarial balance will be positive.

Click here to read Goss’ letter and view additional data.

In addition to the standard written and driving test, the following documentation requirements would apply:

• Government ID from home country;
• Provide an IRS individual taxpayer number;
• Proof of filing income taxes in Colorado in the prior year;
• Affidavit stating they have lived in Colorado for 2+ years;
• Affidavit declaring desire to seek lawful status.

In order, countries with the largest number of nonimmigrant visas were:

1. Mexico
2. Mainland China
3. Brazil
4. India
5. Columbia

AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 13042654. (Posted 4/26/13)

To qualify for the in-state tuition, undocumented students must:

• Attend a Colorado high school for three years;
• Graduate from a Colorado high school or obtain a general education diploma;
• Declare their intention to pursue legal immigration status;
• Sign an affidavit stating they are in good legal status.

According to Governor Hickenlooper:

“We’re opening the door; you guys are going to have to do all the work. That’s the way the system works. We’re going to get you into class, give you the opportunity, then your hard work is going to complete the transaction. This first step is going to be the first step to national immigration reform.”

The U visa applies to immigrants who are victim of certain serious crimes and who agree to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that crime.

U Visa are complex and should be done with the assistance of our experienced immigration attorneys.  Contact Allott Immigration Law Firm.

The program will provide approximately $10 million in funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the U.S.

Through this grant opportunity, USCIS seeks to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship
preparation services. Organizations selected to receive funding will offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to permanent residents.

Additional activities that support this goal include:

• making citizenship instruction and naturalization application services accessible to low-income and other under-served lawful permanent resident populations;
• developing, identifying, and sharing promising practices in citizenship preparation;
• supporting innovative and creative solutions to barriers faced by those seeking naturalization;
• increasing the use of and access to technology in citizenship preparation programs;
• and engaging receiving communities in the citizenship and civic integration process.

Applications are due by May 22, 2013.

To obtain registration information needed to complete the application process, go to Grants.gov.

USCIS anticipates they will announce an estimated 40 award recipients in September 2013.

The Republicans are:

1. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)
2. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)
3. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
4. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)

The Democrats are:

1. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
2. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)
3. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
4. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)

Gang of Eight Plan  (prior to the Boston bombing)