Cook Featured in Law360 Immigration Lawyer Q&A Series

Dave Cook, a partner in the Vorys Columbus office, was profiled in Law360’s Immigration Q&A series. 

The story states:

“Question: What aspects of your practice area are in need of reform and why?

‘The need for immigration reform is discussed daily in the media. While the entire immigration framework is broken, my practice is impacted mainly by the business-related shortcomings of the current system.

One of the principal areas in need of reform is an increase in the number of H-1B (specialty occupation) visas available annually. Since 1990, Congress has limited the number of H-1B visas made available each year. The current statutory cap is 65,000 visas per year, with 20,000 additional visas for foreign professionals who graduate with a master’s degree or doctorate from a U.S. university.

In recent years, the limit has been reached only a few days after the visas are made available. The current allocation of visas is insufficient to meet the demand of U.S. employers. The H-1B program helps U.S. employers address temporary specialty-skilled workforce needs, make U.S. businesses more competitive, create jobs and grow the economy. However, this cap on the number of visas is blocking economic gains and business growth by artificially limiting the number of new H-1B visas that can be issued in any one year. This year, as many as three times the number of approvable petitions for H-1B visas were filed and now the USCIS will be holding a lottery to determine which of those petitions will actually be considered. All other petitions will be returned unprocessed and the employers and prospective employees are “out of luck” for another year.’”

To read the entire story, visit the Law360 website. (Subscription required).