These passports would have machine readable fingerprints or another form of biometric identifier to assist in the detection and prevention of entry of terrorists into the United States.

In their letter to House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner Jr., R-Wisconsin, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge cited privacy concerns, interoperability issues, questions about the durability of electronic chips and production delays as reasons the governments overseas would not meet the deadline.

 

Petitions for current H-2B workers do not count towards the congressionally mandated H-2B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to process petitions filed to:

• Extend the stay of a current H-2B worker in the United States.

• Change the terms of employment for current H-2B workers.

• Allow current H-2B workers to change or add employers.