Immigration: Nonimmigrant H-1B Specialty Worker Issues and Legislation


 

Publication Date: August 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Population and demographics

Type:

Abstract:

The largest category of temporary alien workers are the H-1B nonimmigrants — professionals who work in specialty occupations. This report describes the H-1B program and how it differs from permanent immigrant admissions that are employment based. It discusses concerns over past abuses of the H-1B program as well as why employers in “high tech” industries now are pressuring Congress to eliminate or raise the annual admissions ceiling of 65,000. Efforts to protect the interests of U.S. workers are described. Legislation addressing these various concerns is tracked by this report, which will be updated as action occurs.