Earlier this year, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) included a plan to expand
the H-1B temporary work visa program in the Senate's immigration
reform bill. Perhaps indicating that the immigration bill is in
trouble, a second bill has been introduced consisting of just the H-1B
provisions from the immigration bill.

This new bill, the Securing Knowledge Innovation and Leadership, or
SKIL Bill (S.2691), was introduced by Sen. Cornyn (R-TX). It would
increase the H-1B cap from 65,000 to 115,000 annually. It would also
allow the cap to be increased 20% after any year the cap is reached.
The bill exempts workers from the H-1B cap who have earned a Masters
or PhD from an American college or university, expanding the number of
H-1B visas even more.

The SKIL bill has been co-sponsored by a number of prominent
legislators, including Sen. Specter (Judiciary Committee Chair) and
Sen. Frist (Senate Majority Leader). This level of support indicates
that the leadership of the Senate, especially Republicans, is in favor
of raising the H-1B cap dramatically. On the other hand, there is no
companion bill in the House where some leaders have expressed
skepticism about the program.

Those who are worried about the H-1B program need to contact their
legislators NOW to express their concerns. Over 200 high-tech
companies have asked Congress to raise the H-1B cap. It will take
considerable grassroots support to stop it.