US Senate Passes Immigration Reform Bill (S. 744)

Earlier this afternoon the U.S. Senate voted 68-32 in favor of final passage of S. 744, the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” which seeks to provide a comprehensive immigration reform.    We have provided an overview and analysis of S.744 when it was introduced in the U.S. Senate on April 16, 2013 and we urge our readers and clients to review the main points of S. 744.   Our clients and readers can also refer to the full text of S.744, as it was passed earlier today.

Hold the Champagne:   Senate Passage is  an Important but Early Step in Legislative Process

While S. 744 is not perfect in many ways, we are pleased to see the US Senate pass a comprehensive reform bill.   However, it is important to underscore that this proposal would become a law in its current shape only after an identical bill is passed by the US House of Representatives and then signed by President Obama.    The House has indicated that they would not vote on this bill and would instead take a deliberate approach to draft their own version of an immigration reform.   This process can take months to complete and much can happen during this time.

Conclusion

We are very happy to be finally able to share some concrete developments on the proposal for a comprehensive immigration reform.   After the Senate vote, we expect a lot of activity and focus on the US House of Representatives over the next days and weeks and we will monitor closely and report on any substantial developments on immigration reform.   Also, we will be conducting a series of live chats and webinars to discuss and analyze this proposal, in its current form and as it may be amended before it becomes law.   In the meantime, please feel free to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to obtain developments on this and related topics. If our office can be of any help, please feel free to contact us.