H-1B cap update

USCIS has updated the H-1B cap count. As of December 15, CIS has received approximately 64,200 cases against the regular (non-Master's) H-1B cap of 65,000. As mentioned last week, CIS sets aside up to 6,500 of this 65,000 for nationals of Chile and Singapore.  Last year CIS set aside about 700 for this purpose, so we can assume that the cap has now been reached, although CIS is still accepting petitions.

Immigration Reform Bill introduced in Congress

Representative Luis V. Gutierrez, Democrat of Illinois, introduced a bill in Congress yesterday to reform US immigration laws. The bill's introduction is seen as a reaction to President Obama's delay in starting his proposed immigration reform measures. It is unlikely that the bill will pass, however, as it contains provisions similar to an amnesty for undocumented immigrants. Anything resembling an amnesty provision is strongly opposed by many in Congress. 

See the New York Times article on the bill here.