Republicans Propose Work Visa Bill in Congress

Senator John McCain recently introduced a bill that would remove the cap on the number of work visas issued. The bill would grant migrants similar rights as citizen workers and would also allow legal migrants the chance to apply for legal residency after three years. Illegal migrants already working in the U.S. may apply, but they go to the end of the H-4B visa line. They will stay at H-4B visa status for three years after paying a $1,500 fee. After six years, illegal migrants may apply for legal residency.

The Land Border Security and Immigration Improvement Act of 2003 was introduced, according to McCain, in a response to growing terrorism concerns and increasing border crossing deaths. The act, McCain anticipates, will allow the Border Patrol to devote more time to potential terrorists and criminals crossing the border.

The visas will include photo identification cards, a feature the current visas do not have. It is designed to provide the Border Patrol with a legitimate enforcement tool.

The act will also apply to migrants that entered the country both legally and illegally before August 1, 2003.

The act does not apply to migrants convicted of misdemeanors or felonies on their records for breaking laws other than illegal entry or false identification.