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HR 1337

To add Ireland to the E3 nonimmigrant visa program.

119th Congress Introduced by Brendan Boyle and 10 co-sponsors

HR 1337 allows Irish nationals to access the E3 visa program, enhancing job opportunities in the U.S. and strengthening U.S.-Ireland relations.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1337

Summary of HR 1337: Adding Ireland to the E3 Nonimmigrant Visa Program

Bill Number: HR 1337
Introduced: February 13, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: Richard E. Neal
Cosponsors: Michael Lawler, Mary Gay Scanlon, Sarah McBride, Mike Kelly, Timothy M. Kennedy, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Gregory F. Murphy, Kevin Mullin, Brendan F. Boyle, James P. McGovern

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 1337 is to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include Ireland in the E3 nonimmigrant visa program, which currently allows Australian nationals to work in the United States under specific conditions. This bill aims to enhance bilateral relations between the U.S. and Ireland by providing Irish nationals with similar opportunities for employment in the U.S. as those afforded to Australians.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically:

  1. Inclusion of Ireland in the E3 Visa Program:

    • The bill amends Section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) to allow nationals of Ireland to qualify for the E3 visa on a basis of reciprocity, as determined by the Secretary of State.

  2. E-Verify Participation Requirement:

    • Employers hiring Irish nationals under this program must be participants in good standing in the E-Verify program, ensuring that they comply with employment verification processes.

  3. Numerical Limitations on Visa Issuance:

    • The bill establishes a cap on the number of E3 visas available to Irish nationals. Specifically, it allows for a number equal to the difference between the existing cap of 10,500 visas for Australians and the number of Australian applications approved in the previous fiscal year.
    • This means that if fewer than 10,500 Australian visas are issued in a given year, the remaining visas can be allocated to Irish nationals.

  4. Exemption for Family Members:

    • The numerical limitations apply only to principal applicants and do not affect the spouses or children of E3 visa holders, allowing families to accompany the principal visa holder without counting against the cap.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • Irish nationals seeking employment in the U.S. would benefit directly from this legislation, gaining access to a new pathway for work visas.
    • U.S. employers looking to hire skilled workers from Ireland would also be impacted, as they would have the opportunity to recruit from a broader talent pool.

  • Bilateral Relations:

    • This bill is expected to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Ireland, fostering greater collaboration in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and education.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on February 13, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of HR 1337, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on Irish nationals and U.S. employers. The inclusion of Ireland in the E3 visa program represents a significant step toward enhancing employment opportunities and bilateral relations.

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

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