The House Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement has conducted a number of hearings in 2011 questioning the value of all forms of immigration. On April 5th, it held a hearing on diversity visas, a program which provides 55,000 green cards annually by lottery to persons from countries that do not currently send many immigrants to the United States. The diversity visa is a relatively small program designed to increase the diversity of immigrants entering the country. One prime example of a diversity visa winner is famed American Major League of Soccer star Freddy Adu.

Last week, the Subcommittee heard arguments regarding placing additional restrictions on the H-1B visa program. The H-1B visa program is an essential immigration category used by U.S. employers to bring foreign, professional-level talent to the U.S. for key positions. While it is used a great deal by the IT industry, it is also used for many other specialty positions that require at least a baccalaureate degree in a specific field. H-1B petitions are sought for scientists, financial analysts, pharmacists, researchers, automotive designers, and engineers, among others.

Jackson Lewis continues to keep a sharp watch on congressional efforts to limit legal immigration paths that are essential to our economy.