LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Because of the ongoing efforts to determine the results of the recent presidential election, Congress’ plans to hold a lame duck session beginning last Monday fell through.  Feeling that members would be too distracted by the still ongoing election, Congress and President Clinton agreed to a continuing resolution that will provide federal government funding through December 5.  Five budget bills remain to be passed, and these must be passed between December 5 and January 3, 2001, when the new Congress begins.  There has been no recent news regarding efforts to include immigration provisions in the budget bills.

Two immigration bills were sent to the President this week for his signature. 

S. 484, the Bring Them Home Alive Act of 2000, provides for refugee status for nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, North Korea or any of the independent states of the former Soviet Union; and who personally delivers to the US a living Vietnam or Korean War prisoner of war or person who has been missing in action. 

S. 3239 creates a special immigrant category for employees of the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors was approved by the House.  It is now ready to be presented to the President for his signature.

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