The CBP released a statement on its procedures for handling L petitions under NAFTA.  Our experience is that CBP officers have a far greater grasp of the L regulatory standards and far less of a political agenda  than their US Consulate brethren and that well-prepared L petitions are met with routine approval at the border.

Last week, the DHS released data regarding NIV usage in FY2010. Although it conatins a lot of data that could easily go into the category of “why would anyone need to know that ?” it is probably worth the 5 minutes it will take to skim through it.

Senate bill 887 proposed by Senators Grassley and Durbin, contains provisions that if enacted would eliminate the use of H-1b visas for any staffing or consulting company.  Essentially, the bill would prohibit the placement of H-1b workers at any third party work-sites unless a waiver was first obtained and a waiver would not be available for any placements that would be considered as, labor for hire.  Further the bill would prohibit the supervision of the H-1b worker by the end client. These provisions would essentially eliminate the use of H-1b visas for computer and engineering consulting companies, healthcare staffing companies, and others. For many years the esteemed Senators have sought ways to completely eliminate the H-1b category and with the current economic climate, they are seizing on the opportunity.