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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates/Economic Impact Payments in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) [Updated April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), which was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020, includes direct payments to individuals--referred to as '2020 recovery rebates' in the law. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refers to the payments issued this year--2020--as economic impact payments. This Insight provides a brief overview of these direct payments. (These payments are virtually identical to those included in bill text circulated on March 22, 2020.) The 2020 recovery rebates equal $1,200 per person ($2,400 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return) and $500 per child. These amounts phase down for higher-income taxpayers. These payments are structured as tax credits automatically advanced to households in 2020 'if they filed a 2019 income tax return' and will be received as a direct deposit or check by mail. If a 2019 return has not been filed, rebates will be advanced automatically based on 2018 return information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-04-02
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Will Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries Receive the Recovery Rebate in the CARES Act? [Updated April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) provides emergency relief measures in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Section 2201 of the CARES Act provides recovery rebates, also known as Economic Impact Payments, for most individuals, structured as automatically advanced tax credits to be disbursed by the Treasury Department. This Insight addresses the recovery rebates from the perspective of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morton, William R.; Davies, Paul S., 1970-
2020-04-02
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COVID-19 Stimulus Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated April 2, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion; and contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy, including productivity losses, supply chain disruptions, major labor dislocation, and significant financial pressure on both businesses and households."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2020-04-02
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Senior Nutrition Programs' Response to COVID-19 [Updated April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Many older adults rely on federally funded programs that provide nutrition and other supportive services in order to live independently in their communities. Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, older adults as well as those with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk for severe illness if infected with the virus. [...] This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight provides information on the COVID-19 response for nutrition programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA) and administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Colello, Kirsten J.
2020-04-01
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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act-Tax Relief for Individuals and Businesses [Updated April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress is considering a number of proposals that seek to mitigate the economic effects of the Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, pandemic. One such proposal, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (S. 3548), was introduced in the Senate on March 19, 2020. On March 22, 2020, an updated version of the CARES Act was circulated, as a proposed amendment to H.R. 748. A cloture vote on a motion to proceed, which was designed to allow consideration of the CARES Act, was rejected on March 22.1 A third version of the CARES Act was released on March 25, 2020.2 On March 25, the Senate voted 96-0 to pass H.R. 748, having previously amended it with the CARES Act. The House passed this version of the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, and President Trump signed the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) into law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.; Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.; Driessen, Grant A. . . .
2020-04-01
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COVID-19: The Potential Role of TANF in Addressing the Economic Effects [Updated April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant provides grants to the 50 states, District of Columbia, American Indian tribes, and certain territories with the broad purpose of ameliorating and addressing root causes of childhood economic disadvantage. Some of the flexibility the block grant affords to states has been used, and augmented by federal legislation, to address the fallout from Hurricane Katrina and the deep economic recession of 2007-2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene
2020-04-01
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Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress [April 1, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report presents background information and issues for Congress concerning the Navy's force structure and shipbuilding plans. The current and planned size and composition of the Navy, the annual rate of Navy ship procurement, the capacity of the naval shipbuilding industry, and the prospective affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding plans have been oversight matters for the congressional defense committees for many years. [...] The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy's proposed FY2021 shipbuilding program and the Navy's longer-term shipbuilding plans. Decisions that Congress makes on this issue can substantially affect Navy capabilities and funding requirements, and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2020-04-01
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Federal Reserve: Recent Actions in Response to COVID-19 [Updated March 31, 2020]
From the Document: "Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created significant economic disruption. In response, the Federal Reserve (Fed) has taken a number of steps to promote economic and financial stability involving the Fed's monetary policy and 'lender of last resort' roles. Some of these actions are intended to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates and others are intended to provide liquidity to financial markets so that firms have access to needed funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2020-03-31
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 31, 2020]
From the Summary: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage. While descriptions of the U.S. role in the world since the end of World War II vary in their specifics, it can be described in general terms as consisting of four key elements: global leadership; defense and promotion of the liberal international order; defense and promotion of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and prevention of the emergence of regional hegemons in Eurasia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-03-31
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Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 30, 2020]
From the Summary: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The seven other Arctic states are Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland), and Russia. [...] Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The geopolitical environment for the Arctic has been substantially affected by the renewal of great power competition. Although there continues to be significant international cooperation on Arctic issues, the Arctic is increasingly viewed as an arena for geopolitical competition among the United States, Russia, and China. Russia in recent years has enhanced its military presence and operations in the Arctic. China's growing activities in the Arctic have become a matter of increasing curiosity or concern among observers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .
2020-03-30
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COVID-19 Stimulus Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated March 30, 2020]
From the Document: "This report provides a brief description of the SBA's [U.S. Small Business Administration] programs, examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009), and discusses legislation to assist small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including: [1] P.L. 116-123, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, which provided the SBA an additional $20 million for SBA disaster assistance administrative expenses and deemed the coronavirus to be a disaster under the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This change made economic injury from the coronavirus an eligible EIDL expense. [and 2] P.L. 116-136, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which, among other provisions, created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide 'covered loans' with a 100% SBA loan guarantee, a maximum term of 10 years, and an interest rate not to exceed 4% to assist small businesses, small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and small 501(c)(19) veterans organizations that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. The act also provides for loan deferment and forgiveness under specified conditions. A 'covered loan' is defined as a loan made to an eligible recipient from February 15, 2020, through June 30, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean; Lindsay, Bruce R.
2020-03-30
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Legal Issues Related to the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Overview [Updated March 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 outbreak has rapidly shifted the congressional agenda in recent weeks, while altering the daily lives of millions of American residents. Alongside the many medical, economic, social, and public policy questions raised by the pandemic are a range of legal issues. These include both short-term legal questions related to the unfolding outbreak as well as longer-term legal issues that are anticipated to persist in the wake of the crisis. Among the most immediate questions are those related to the scope of state and federal authorities concerning quarantine measures, travel and entry restrictions, the movement of medical goods, health care coverage, and the like. Of more ongoing concern may be legal issues ranging from those related to the development of vaccines, testing, treatments, and other medical countermeasures, to postponing national elections, to civil liability for COVID-19 exposure, to criminal actions related to hoarding and price gouging, to providing economic assistance to individuals and businesses, to foreclosure, eviction, and debt collection moratoria. This Legal Sidebar provides a list of legal resources discussing these and other legal topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lewis, Caitlain Devereaux
2020-03-30
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COVID-19 and the Defense Industrial Base: DOD Response and Legislative Considerations [Updated March 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on a 'defense industrial base' (DIB) for the products and services that enable DOD's warfighting capabilities. The DIB includes private-sector commercial companies ranging in size from small businesses to some of the world's largest enterprises--all of which have been impacted by the economic pressures associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For additional related resources, see the CRS [Congressional Research Service] COVID-19 homepage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2020-03-30
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Federal Reserve's Legal Authorities for Responding to the Economic Impacts of COVID-19 [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 coronavirus has upended financial markets and the real economy. As the virus has spread, businesses across the country have closed their doors, major stock indexes have lost over a quarter of their value, and debt and commodity markets have experienced extreme volatility. While Congress is considering the appropriate fiscal response to these developments, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) has implemented several monetary policies and lending programs to stimulate demand and inject liquidity into the financial system. This Sidebar discusses the Fed's responses to the coronavirus, the legal bases for those actions, and the central bank's authority to take further steps to contain the economic fallout from the virus."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sykes, Jay B.
2020-03-27
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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Processing Changes Due to COVID-19: In Brief [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "As federal agencies adjust their operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, activities related to the processing and release of government information are also changing. [...] Government information requests through FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] may be impacted by COVID-19 in two ways. First, certain types of information related to the outbreak may be eligible for expedited consideration; FOIA requests are to be expedited as soon as practicable in cases in which the person requesting the records demonstrates a compelling need. Second, processes for locating information may change due to employees working remotely or on administrative leave. This In Brief report provides an overview of the typical FOIA request process and usual conditions for requesting expedited processing of a request. The report then provides analysis of the impact of agency procedures in response to the pandemic on government information availability, and concludes with a survey of announced agency processing alterations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Marchsteiner, Kathleen E.; Stuessy, Meghan M.
2020-03-27
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COVID-19 Response: Constitutional Protections for Private Property [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The federal government lacks 'a general federal authority akin to the police power.' But acting under its enumerated authorities, including under the Commerce Clause and the General Welfare Clause (as supplemented by the Necessary and Proper Clause), Congress has ample power to enact legislation to deter the spread of COVID-19, and indeed several laws enacted long before COVID-19's outbreak afford the President and executive agencies significant discretion to take measures to curtail the outbreak. [...]Many of these measures may impair a person's use of their property, directly or indirectly. [...] The Supreme Court has recognized that 'Congress routinely creates burdens for some that directly benefit others,' and that 'a State in the exercise of its police power may adopt reasonable restrictions on private property.' In limited circumstances, though, the Constitution requires federal or state governments to provide a property owner 'just compensation' where government action leads to a 'taking' of 'private property.' (State constitutions include similar requirements.) This Sidebar summarizes federal takings law and analyzes how it may apply to property restrictions in a national public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stiff, Sean M.
2020-03-27
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Disrupted Federal Elections: Policy Issues for Congress [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has renewed interest in how election administrators and political campaigns prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. Some states have postponed primary elections. Political campaigns have expanded online outreach in lieu of in-person events. According to media reports, national party conventions are proceeding as scheduled, but contingency plans are under consideration. Legislation has proposed additional funding and voting options in federal elections. As of this writing, legislation and elections planning are changing daily. This product will be updated periodically. This updated CRS [Congressional Research Service] In Focus briefly introduces historical and policy issues that could be relevant for congressional oversight, legislation, or appropriations related to what this product calls 'disrupted elections'. This term means events such as natural disasters, other emergencies, or cyberattacks that could substantially delay or prevent normal voting, election administration, or campaigning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-
2020-03-27
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Fostering Behavior Change During Disease Outbreaks: Insights from Ebola Response in Africa [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease] pandemic has prompted governments worldwide to seek to change behaviors on a mass scale to stem new infections. [...] The challenges and successes of analogous efforts during the two largest Ebola outbreaks to date--in West Africa (2014-2016), and in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), starting in 2018 and now seemingly waning--may offer lessons for current efforts to contain COVID-19, even though the two viruses differ in significant ways."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Husted, Tomas F.; Cook, Nicolas
2020-03-27
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Early Voting and Mail Voting: Overview & Issues for Congress [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "Although voting in person at a polling place on Election Day is the most common voting practice, states and localities also offer some or all of their voters opportunities to vote without going to the polls on Election Day. Sending voters ballots by mail ('mail voting') and designating a pre-Election Day period when voters can receive and cast a ballot in person ('early voting') are two of the most common options. Some states and localities use mail voting as their primary voting method, automatically mailing ballots to all registered voters and offering limited in-person voting options ('all-mail elections')."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Eckman, Sarah J.; Shanton, Karen L.
2020-03-27
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Limits on Business Interest Deductions Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "Thin capitalization rules, broadly, limit the amount of debt that can generate deductible interest for the purpose of calculating taxable income. Limits on the tax deduction for business interest restrictions have been relaxed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748, as amended) providing economic stimulus and relief for taxpayers due to the expected slowdown of the economy because of the coronavirus pandemic. These restrictions, also referred to by their Internal Revenue Code Section 163(j), were expanded by the 2017 tax revision, P.L. 115-97."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-03-27
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Federal Reserve: Emergency Lending [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Summary: "The 2007-2009 financial crisis led the Federal Reserve (Fed) to revive an obscure provision found in Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 344) to extend credit to nonbank financial firms for the first time since the 1930s. Section 13(3) provides the Fed with greater flexibility than its normal lending authority. Using this authority, the Fed created six broadly based facilities (of which only five were used) to provide liquidity to 'primary dealers' (certain large investment firms) and to revive demand for commercial paper and asset-backed securities. More controversially, the Fed provided special, tailored assistance exclusively to four firms that the Fed considered 'too big to fail'--AIG [American International Group], Bear Stearns, Citigroup, and Bank of America. In response to the financial turmoil caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Fed reopened four of these broadly-based programs and created two new ones in 2020. Treasury pledged $50 billion of assets from the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF) to protect the Fed against losses in most of these programs. H.R. 748, referred to by some as the 'third coronavirus stimulus' bill, was passed by the Senate on March 25, 2020. The bill would provide between $454 billion and $500 billion to support Fed liquidity facilities. The bill states that applicable requirements of Section 13(3) shall apply to these facilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2020-03-27
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Withdrawals and Loans from Retirement Accounts for COVID-19 Expenses [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The economic repercussions of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] could reduce Americans' economic security; in response, individuals may view their retirement accounts as a source of funds to help meet current expenses. They may be able to withdraw from their defined contribution (DC) retirement accounts (such as 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)) or from their traditional or Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). In addition, DC plans may allow participants to borrow from their accounts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Topoleski, John J.; Myers, Elizabeth A.
2020-03-27
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Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress has demonstrated interest in the global migration crisis, particularly with recent flows of migrants and refugees to the United States from Central America and Mexico. In 2019 an estimated 272 million international migrants formed roughly 3.5% of the world's population. [...] In response to increasing numbers of people on the move, the U.N. General Assembly High-Level Plenary Summit on Refugees and Migrants in September 2016 adopted the 'New York Declaration,' which aims to save lives, protect rights, and share responsibility for refugees and migrants on a global scale. Building on this initiative, U.N. member states developed two global compacts--a Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and a Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). In December 2017, the Trump Administration withdrew the United States from the GCM negotiations. (In November 2018, it also withdrew U.S. participation in the GCR.) Refugees are distinct from migrants because of their specific status and protections under international law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda
2020-03-27
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Global Refugee Resettlement: Selected Issues and Questions [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "As the number of refugees worldwide reached unprecedented levels in recent years, Congress has demonstrated a continued interest in refugee 'resettlement,' although such opportunities are available to only a small percentage of the global refugee population. (For more information on the refugee 'admissions' process to the United States, see CRS Report RL31269, 'Refugee Admissions and Resettlement Policy.') On March 17, 2020, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced they were suspending global resettlement travel for refugees due to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] travel bans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda
2020-03-27
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COVID-19: Response of the Oil and Gas Pipelines Sector [March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The spread of the novel coronavirus and the measures put in place to control it are impacting U.S. oil and natural gas pipelines--a critical infrastructure sector. Pipelines are essential not only in providing liquid fuel for transportation and natural gas for consumer and industrial uses, but also as a critical source of fuel for electric power plants. [...] On March 11, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic associated with the novel coronavirus which causes 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19). Due to the spread of the coronavirus in the United States, President Trump declared a national emergency on March 13. The virus also has prompted emergency restrictions in some states intended to slow community transmission, such as limits on public movement, requirements for 'social distancing,' and the mandatory closure of certain businesses and places of public assembly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2020-03-27
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National Security Implications of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technologies [Updated March 27, 2020]
From the Document: "The fifth generation (5G) of mobile technologies will increase the speed of data transfer and improve bandwidth over existing fourth generation (4G) technologies, in turn enabling new military and commercial applications. 5G technologies are expected to support interconnected or autonomous devices, such as smart homes, self-driving vehicles, precision agriculture systems, industrial machinery, and advanced robotics. In the military realm, 5G could additionally improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and processing; enable new methods of command and control; and streamline logistics systems for increased efficiency, among other uses. As 5G technologies are developed and deployed, Congress may consider policies for spectrum management and national security, as well as implications for U.S. military operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hoehn, John R.; Sayler, Kelley M.
2020-03-27
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and COVID-19 [March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not currently have a specific standard that protects healthcare or other workers from airborne or aerosol transmission of disease or diseases transmitted by airborne droplets. Some in Congress, and some groups representing healthcare and other workers, are calling on OSHA to promulgate an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect workers from exposure to SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) gives OSHA the ability to promulgate an ETS that would remain in effect for up to six months without going through the normal review and comment process of rulemaking. OSHA, however, has rarely used this authority in the past--not since the courts struck down its ETS on asbestos in 1983."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2020-03-26
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "Since the Covid-19 outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 150 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic is having a noticeable impact on global economic growth. Estimates so far indicate the virus could trim global economic growth by at least 0.5% to 1.5%, but the full impact will not be known until the effects peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2020-03-26
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Data Flows, Online Privacy, and Trade Policy [Updated March 26, 2020]
From the Summary: "'Cross-border data flows' refers to the movement or transfer of information between computer servers across national borders. Such data flows enable people to transmit information for online communication, track global supply chains, share research, provide cross-border services, and support technological innovation. Ensuring open cross-border data flows has been an objective of Congress in recent trade agreements and in broader U.S. international trade policy. The free flow of personal data, however, has raised security and privacy concerns. U.S. trade policy has traditionally sought to balance the need for cross-border data flows, which often include personal data, with online privacy and security. Some stakeholders, including some Members of Congress, believe that U.S. policy should better protect personal data privacy and security, and have introduced legislation to set a national policy. Other policymakers and analysts are concerned about increasing foreign barriers to U.S. digital trade, including data flows."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2020-03-26
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Employment-Based Immigration Backlog [March 26, 2020]
From the Summary: "Currently in the United States, almost 1 million lawfully present foreign workers and their family members have been approved for, and are waiting to receive, lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (a 'green card'). This employment-based backlog is projected to double by FY2030. It exists because the number of foreign workers whom U.S. employers sponsor for green cards each year exceeds the annual statutory green card allocation. In addition to this numerical limit, a statutory 7% per-country ceiling prevents the monopolization of employment-based green cards by a few countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William
2020-03-26
