New immigration bill will affect businesses and workers in Florida

June 22, 2013 (Press-News.org) New immigration bill will affect businesses and workers in Florida

Human migration is a historically natural phenomenon. For centuries, people have been moving from one area of the world to another in search of food, shelter, a better job and a nicer place to call home. This is especially so in our modern world with the ease of global travel.

For many years, the U.S. has struggled with immigration laws and how best to serve the people of the world who visit and relocate to America. In turn, businesses across the country rely heavily on immigrant workers, especially in southern states such as Florida. The Miami Herald reports that there are nearly 750,000 undocumented people living in Florida and tens of thousands of them are vital to the state's primary industries.

The new immigration bill

Senators from across the nation banded together to create a new immigration bill that would overhaul the current immigration system. Lawmakers are tacking on nearly 50 amendments to the proposed legislation and the bipartisan group of legislators is almost at an agreement regarding border control, thus paving the way for passage of the bill.

Some aspects of the immigration bill will help workers and businesses in Florida in a number of ways. The bill aims to create the following:
-New immigration opportunities for workers of all skill levels
-"Merit visas" that target talented workers from outside the U.S.
-A streamlined system for obtaining immigrant status

Businesses will reap benefits from the bill but must comply with stricter requirements when checking the legal status of their workers. The Tampa Tribune claims that the high-tech industry is heaving a sigh of relief as provisions of the proposed law may allow more green card availability for foreigners who obtain certain types of advanced degrees in the U.S. Additionally, more visas may be available for highly skilled foreign workers.

Details of the sweeping changes are yet to be revealed but lawmakers are seeking to create a transparent and open process so workers and business owners can navigate the new immigration system without too much difficulty. Corporate employers may soon experience a better way for foreign nationals to permanently or temporarily work in Florida.

A business immigration lawyer can help

If you own or operate a business in Florida that utilizes workers who are not U.S. citizens, seek the counsel of a business immigration attorney. A lawyer who is knowledgeable about immigration laws can help you legally hire and keep workers that are vital to your business.

Article provided by Kurzban Kurzban Weinger Tetzeli and Pratt P.A.
Visit us at www.kkwtlaw.com