The Detroit News. Clinton's move stalled the bill, because Republicans insist that the issues were unrelated and should not be paired. For each of the next three years, the bill would increase from 115,000 to 200,000 the number of H-1B visas, which allow skilled workers entry for specified periods to do jobs that American workers cannot be found for. The high-tech industry has labeled the bill a top priority, contending there are too few qualified American workers to fill necessary jobs.
Labor unions oppose increasing visas.
Ranit Schmelzer, a spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said Democrats are expected to vote to consider the bill. One amendment would offer permanent residence to political refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Haiti similar to that granted those from Cuba and Nicaragua. Another amendment would grant amnesty for illegal immigrants who have lived in the United States since 1986. There will not be a tribute. A similar partisan conflict over amendments has hindered consideration of pending visa bills in the House.