EAGLE Act of 2023 Equal Access to Green cards for Legal Employment Act of 2023
The implications of SB3291 are far-reaching, as it essentially seeks to modify the existing quota system that has limited the ability of many applicants to obtain employment-based visas based solely on their country of origin. By removing these limits, the bill would enable a more equitable distribution of visas among all eligible immigrants, thus promoting diversity and facilitating family reunifications. Additionally, it introduces new administrative mechanisms to ensure faster processing of visa applications and adjustment of immigration status for employment-based immigrants that align with labor market needs.
SB3291, also known as the 'Equal Access to Green cards for Legal Employment Act of 2023', proposes significant amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill aims to eliminate the per-country numerical limitations that currently restrict employment-based immigrants and intends to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants. This legislative move is designed to improve access to green cards for individuals from countries that experience high demand for immigration to the United States.
However, the proposed changes have led to some controversy. Proponents argue that the bill addresses significant inequities faced by highly skilled workers from overrepresented countries, such as India and China, who often wait years for their green cards. Conversely, critics believe that loosening these restrictions could undermine job opportunities for U.S. citizens and permanent residents by increasing the competition within the labor market. There are concerns about whether the current labor market can absorb the additional influx of immigrants and the impact this may have on wages and job availability for domestic workers.