PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to Subcommittee on Immigration.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 27, 1998
High-Tech Immigration and United States Worker Protection Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to temporarily increase the annual number of skilled foreign worker visas. (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the high technology market labor needs and the extent to which such jobs are likely to be unfulfilled in FY 2001 through 2006. (Sec. 4) Establishes in the Department of Labor a fund to assist U.S. workers obtain skills that are in short supply as evidenced by certain foreign worker applications. Obligates specified fund amounts for a related loan program. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to eligible entities for creation of Regional Skills Alliances to address market and labor needs. Provides for the establishment of a National Alliance for High Technology Skills which shall recommend worker training strategies to the President. (Sec. 5) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise labor condition application provisions, including: (1) authorizing the Secretary to initiate investigations; (2) increasing civil penalty amounts; and (3) establishing an employer-paid application fee. (Sec. 6) Requires an employer: (1) with certain exceptions, to recruit U.S. workers prior to seeking foreign workers; and (2) within certain time periods, to have not laid off or subsequently not lay off U.S. workers in order to replace them with foreign workers. (Sec. 8) Reduces the maximum admissions period for such foreign workers.
People & committees
Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] · D–MA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to Subcommittee on Immigration.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2725)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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