KOREAN AMERICANS IN ACTION Representative Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House Senator Mitch McConnell, Majority Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader ‘Senator Charles Schumer, Democratic Leader On behalf of Korean Americans In Action, | am writing to ask that language regarding per-country distribution of employment-based immigration visas (green cards), not be included in any ‘end-of-session appropriations bills this year. This language (HR 392 in the House, and S 181 in the Senate) has not been the subject of hearings. It would have damaging consequences that Korean Americans, as well as many other groups, feel certain the US Congress does not intend and would not want. For example, in 2017 people born in South Korea earned 1,191 “priority worker" green cards (EB-1: extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, international managers). Should the Yoder bill become law, that would be immediately cut to ZERO — indefinitely. Likewise, in 2017 people bom in South Korea were sponsored for 4,909 EB-2 visas (advanced degrees); and 4,535 in EB-3 (skilled workers). Should Yoder become law, those totals would be immediately reduced by 77% in the first year, by 85% in the next two years, and to ZERO for at least the next 8.5 years. Itis disconcerting that Congress would even consider such a measure during the lame duck session. Backlogs for employment-based green cards are a serious problem — but the Yoder bill will not solve it. There are 466,602 people now waiting in EB-2, where the problem is worst. Each year, the statute allows 40,040 to get their green cards — but employers add roughly 65,000 a year to the line. So even if this legislation were to become law, in ten years there would be more people in the EB-2 backlog — and ‘they would be waiting longer. The longest delay in EB-2 is now 9.5 years, for one ‘country. Should this become law, in ten years it will be 12.5 years — for all countries. This is simply not legislation that should be enacted without hearings and the opportunity for many constituencies -- including Korean Americans — to have their say and be heard. We urge you to insist on regular order on this issue now, to be taken up next year with hearings in the Judiciary Committees of both the House and Senate. Sincerely, Sam Yoon Executive Director 4250 North Fairfax Dr. Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22203 | 571.527.4651 | info@kaaction.org