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HR 1337

In memory of George L. Cullum III.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Angie Button

Allows Irish nationals to obtain an E-type nonimmigrant visa similar to Australia’s, with a reciprocal cap and mandatory E-Verify for employers.

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Bill Summary · HR 1337

Summary — H.R. 1337 (Introduced Feb 13, 2025)

Title shown: "In memory of George L. Cullum III." — note: although the bill title is memorial in form, the bill text contains substantive amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Purpose

H.R. 1337 would expand an existing nonimmigrant employment classification (commonly associated with the E‑3 category for Australian nationals) to permit nationals of Ireland to qualify on a basis of reciprocity, impose an employer E‑Verify requirement for Irish nationals, and set how the annual numerical allocation between Australia and Ireland is to be calculated.

Key provisions

  • Adds Ireland to the INA provision that currently recognizes nationals of Australia for the specific E‑type nonimmigrant classification by inserting: “or, on a basis of reciprocity as determined by the Secretary of State, a national of Ireland, after Australia.”
  • Amends INA section 212 to:
    • Renumber an existing subsection (t) to (u).
    • Require that, for attestations filed on behalf of an Irish national under the amended provision, the U.S. employer must be — and remain during the period of authorized employment — a participant in good standing in the E‑Verify program (the electronic employment-eligibility verification system).
  • Amends INA section 214(g)(11) to set annual numerical limits and allocation rules:
    • Caps initial approvals for nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia at no more than 10,500 per fiscal year.
    • Permits approvals for nationals of Ireland up to a number equal to the difference between 10,500 and the number of approvals for Australian nationals in the prior fiscal year (i.e., Irish allotment = 10,500 minus prior-year Australian approvals).
    • Treats approvals counted for Ireland as having occurred for numerical-control purposes on September 30 of the prior fiscal year.
    • Clarifies the numerical limit applies only to principal aliens (not spouses or children).

Who would be affected

  • Nationals of Ireland seeking the specified E‑type nonimmigrant classification (gain potential new access to this employment-based visa).
  • Nationals of Australia (share an overall annual cap of 10,500 with Ireland under the bill’s allocation mechanism).
  • U.S. employers of Irish nationals under this classification (required to enroll and remain in good standing with E‑Verify).
  • U.S. Department of State and DHS/USCIS (administration of reciprocity determinations, visa issuance, numerical control/counting).

Procedural status and timeline (as provided)

  • Introduced in House: Feb 13, 2025; referred to House Judiciary Committee.
  • Placed on Congressional Memorial/Consent Calendars, laid before House, adopted, and reported enrolled on June 1, 2025 (per provided actions).
  • Companion bill: H.R. 756.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Creates a new pathway for Irish nationals akin to the Australian E‑3 nonimmigrant employment opportunity, but availability for Irish applicants depends on unused portions of the Australian cap from the prior year.
  • Employers hiring Irish principals under this program must use E‑Verify, which could affect employer participation and hiring practices.
  • The numerical-allocation mechanism may limit immediate availability for Irish applicants if Australian usage remains high.
  • Administrative issues: reciprocity determination by the Secretary of State and implementation of counting rules (treated as of prior fiscal year end) will affect visa issuance timing and recordkeeping.

Sponsors include Representative Richard E. Neal (primary) and multiple cosponsors across both parties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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