Congress Acts on Limited 245(i) Extension
Posted Jun 01, 2001

On May 21, 2001, the U.S. House of Representatives ("House") passed a short extension of 245(i), with the additional restriction that the employment or familial relationship must have existed as of or before April 30, 2001. The extension is for only four months, shorter than in all prior proposals; other proposed 245(i) extensions have been for either six months or one year.

Of course, in order for this bill to become law, action is also required in the Senate, and then the President signs the bill into law. S. 778, the 245(i) extension bill introduced by Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), is a one-year extension without the additional requirement described above. Clearly a 245(i) extension that is close to the Senate version is far preferable to the current House proposal.

To express your views on extending 245(i), you can call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to reach your Senator's office. You can also call the White House comment line at 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414.