On July 31, 2008, Robert Menendez (D-NJ), introduced in Congress S. 3414 that was referred to Senate Committee.  This Bill would recapture all employment and family-based green cards lost between 1992 and 2007 and would protect employment-based and family-based visas from being lost in the future.

This bill is basically identical to the recapture bill that passed mark-up on 8/1/08 in the House (HR 5882). 

The Senate bill additionally proposes to extend the Conrad State 30 Physician Programs to June 1, 21013 (5 years) that provides each of the 50 states with 30 J-1 physician waivers each fiscal year; extend the E-Verify program for the electronic employment verification of new employees  (formerly known as the Basic Pilot Program); extend the non-minister R-1 program to 10/01/2011 and requires DHS to issue final regulations to reduce fraud by 2010; requires DHS to provide payment to SSA so that E-Verify doesn’t interfere with services provided to seniors, people with disabilities and survivors. Lastly, it requires the GAO to report to Congress on the cases of Erroneous Tentative Non-confirmations when using E-Verify, how they are resolved and the effect that it has on employers, individuals and federal agencies.

Co-sponsors of the bill include:  Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Maria Cantwell (WA).

These are very positive signs that the candle is lit to push forward piecemeal comprehensive immigration legislation with both chambers now engaged in the process. 

For more information on the bills:
Read this from Washington Watch

2. USCIS OKs new Passport Card for I-9’s

USCIS has decided that the new US Passport Card may be used for I-9 verification purposes. 

The new card provides a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book and expedites document processing at US land and sea ports - or entry for US citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda; however, it is limited in its usage for international air travel.  Thus, it can be used for I-9 processing and also for employers participating in the
E-Verify Program.

It will be considered a “List A” document that can be presented by newly hired employees. 

For more information on the new Passport Cards:
Read this article from USCIS 

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