WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Senate voice voted and passed the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act (S.386/H.R.1044), which eliminates the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants. Senator Scott fought for amendments to protect American jobs and national security, and create more diversity by allowing more immigrants that do not possess an H1B visa the opportunity to receive a green card. His reforms were included in the final bill.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I know many of my Senate colleagues have spent years working on this measure, and I appreciate their hard work. My top priority is protecting American jobs and American workers, especially as our nation continues to struggle because of the coronavirus. I also wanted to make sure we weren’t creating an unfair system that favors certain countries over others, or hurts immigrants that do not happen to be from these nations – like those from Latin America. I fought for months to find a solution that makes sense for Florida, and while the final bill is not perfect, I’m glad it includes my amendments to protect American jobs and national security, and make sure that the many deserving immigrants who do not possess an H1B visa have the opportunity to receive a green card. This is a positive step, but the bill still doesn’t go far enough to resolve the concerns of so many in Florida, and I voiced my opposition to it. I know how critical it is that we have a legal immigration system that is fair and allows people from all corners of the world to come here to live their version of the American Dream, and I will never stop fighting for reforms that support Florida’s economy and the diversity that we’ve worked so hard to protect.”

Senator Scott’s amendments to S.386, which were included in the final bill:

• Placing a cap on the total number of H1B visas that may receive green cards each year. This is extremely important to Florida and ensures diversity in the workforce that meets broad industry needs, while protecting American jobs.
  • Any unused green cards at the end of the year can go towards alleviating the H1B backlog.
• Protecting national security by ensuring no Chinese national with ties to the Communist Party of China or Chinese military can qualify for any adjustment of visa status.