This Issue: McConnell's coronavirus stimulus bill doesn't have EB-5 provision, but it won't be the final version

Fri, Mar 20^th

First, the good news! Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed his economic stimulus package last night; after amazing efforts of NumbersUSA activists across the country, the bill does not increase the number of EB-5 visas.

Grassroots activism efforts began after our Capitol Hill team learned on Wednesday that there were discussions about adding a provision to increase the number of EB-5 visas from 10,000 to 75,000 each year. The EB-5 visa is offered to foreign investors who invest in a U.S. business and the investment creates at least 10 jobs for American workers. Ironically, most EB-5 visas go to investors from China -- the source of the coronavirus outbreak.

Over the last two days, our grassroots activists flooded Senate offices with phone calls and electronic messages.

Unfortunately, there is some bad news. Sen. McConnell's bill can't pass through the Senate or the House, so he'll have to work out a deal with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. That means the bill will change, and an EB-5 increase could still be added.

Please continue to call your U.S. Senators and urge them not to include any immigration increases in any of the economic stimulus packages and send any actions that we've posted on your Action Board.

TRUMP SHUTS DOWN BORDERS

Earlier this week, Pres. Trump announced that the United States and Canada had mutually agreed to shut down the Northern border to non-essential traffic. And just a few hours ago, the U.S. and Mexico announced an agreement to do the same along the Southern border.

This is in addition to the steps already taken to block admissions from regions most affected by the coronavirus for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

The federal government has also taken steps to safeguard immigration officers during the crisis. ICE has announced that it will limit some of its enforcement actions to protect the health of its officers. USCIS, the section that issues visas and green cards, has closed its offices. And the State Department has announced that it will no longer provide visa services around the world.

The global community is also taking aggressive action. This week, the United Nations announced that it was suspending its refugee resettlement program during the pandemic.

While some may view these actions as extreme, it's impossible for a nation to urge its citizens to practice social distancing without the nation itself providing distance from the rest of the world.

Chris Chmielenski
NumbersUSA Deputy Director

Washington Times: Rosemary commented on a story regarding the status of additional H-2B visas in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

"When American workers are being laid off on droves because of small businesses closing, and basically the countries H-2Bs would be coming from have coronavirus, is it really the time?" said Rosemary Jenks, vice president of NumbersUSA, which advocates for American workers.

Politico: Chris commented on efforts to increase the number of EB-5 visas.

"It's ridiculous to think that there are some in Congress who are looking to take advantage of a national health crisis by pushing for a massive increase in the number of green cards made available for foreign investors," said Chris Chmielenski, deputy director at NumbersUSA, which supports immigration restrictions. "While millions of American workers are concerned about their health and job status, Congress should be focusing on helping them and not selling off green cards."

In Uncertain Times, NumbersUSA Remains Steadfast In Our Fight To Protect America's Workers, Natural Resources

Eric Ruark

Fri, Mar 20^th

America is facing a crisis that will test our resiliency. It's important to ignore much of the noise coming from D.C., as partisans try to figure out how they will pin blame on their opponents. It is crucial that we do pay attention to what is in legislation passing through Congress to ensure this emergency isn't used as another excuse for politicians to reward their donors.

Justice Department Settles Claim Against Maryland Construction Firm for Discriminating Against U.S. Workers

Fri, Mar 20^th

The Department of Justice today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement resolving the Department's claims that a Baltimore County, Maryland construction firm, Hallaton Inc., which installs geosynthetic liners, violated the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by preferring H-2B visa workers over qualified U.S. workers.

Trump Announces Closing N. Border: Closes S. Border to Migrants, Asylum Seekers

Wed, Mar 18^th

President Donald Trump has ordered border agencies to quickly return all migrants from Mexican territory, regardless of routine asylum laws, as well as announced that the U.S. and Canada are temporarily closing their shared border to non-essential traffic.

Harvard poll shows voters oppose rewards for illegal immigration

Wed, Mar 18^th

Voters like the idea of making legal immigrants pay their own way, and they are also keen on letting people sue sanctuary cities for crimes committed by illegal aliens -- both parts of President Trump's immigration agenda -- according to polling numbers from Harvard University.

U.S. Pork Producers, Union in Standoff Over Non-Existent Worker Shortage

Tue, Mar 17^th

American pork producers and workers are battling over whether the ramifications from the coronavirus outbreak could lead to a potential "nightmare" scenario of "labor shortages" and the need for more guest-worker visas.