March 10, 2006

Immigration Reform and the "Mark"

The Senate debate on immigration reform continues as the Senate Judiciary Committee has concluded its third day of mark up of Senator Specter's "Chairman's Mark" on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. Although the Chairman's Mark contains many positive provisions, it has not yet adequately dealt with some of the most difficult issues , such as the undocumented currently in the U.S. or the proposed new temporary worker visa program. A fourth and fifth markup are set for next Wednesday and Thursday, March 15 and 16. The Senate is scheduled to take up the immigration debate on March 27 following a one week recess.

Laura Reiff, national practice group chair of Greenberg Traurig's business immigration practice and co-chair of the Essential Workers Coalition, is continuing to work with members of the Senate to achieve significant immigration reforms that will benefit U.S. businesses.