Client Alert
President Signs More New Immigration Provisions Into Law
December 21, 2000
Immigration Practice Group
Ending a budget battle in which immigration issues played a key role, the President today signed appropriations bills into law containing immigration provisions, including some which will have an impact on the business community. The Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act temporarily reauthorizes section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act until April 30, 2001; provides relief to late amnesty filers and their families; creates a new “V” visa for certain spouses and children of permanent residents; and expands the “K” visa category to include spouses of U.S. citizens. In addition, the new legislation authorizes the INS to establish and collect from business customers a $1,000 “premium” fee to expedite the processing of employment-based petitions and applications.