Oversee Visa Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the gentlewoman from California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3636, the Oversee Visa Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories Act, also known as the O-VISA Act.

I support this bipartisan legislation because it will strengthen the role of labor unions in the O visa petition process, a process by which international artists and entertainers with extraordinary ability are brought to the United States.

As many of you may know, my home State of Georgia is one of the Nation's leading locations for film and television production. Since the State updated its tax laws, this industry has generated approximately $800 million annually in economic development, and it is credited with supporting about 11,000 jobs in Georgia.

In June alone, there were more than 23 movies and TV shows being filmed in the State. And as more studios and production teams move to Georgia, the demand for international talent will continue to rise.

While international audiences have a strong appreciation and demand for American movies, music, and other forms of entertainment, we also want talent from other countries to come to the United States for our enjoyment. In such instances, however, we must ensure that the immigration process effectively balances the needs of the entertainment industry while protecting the rights and interests of American workers.

Congress has long realized that this is a delicate balance, which is why we created a specific role for American labor unions to participate in the O visa petition process for foreign artists and entertainers. Unions help ensure safe working conditions and fair wages for all, regardless of nationality. Under the O visa consultation process, unions provide informed opinions on these significant issues.

The bill before us today makes an important change to current law. It requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to provide labor organizations the results of decisions for cases in which they submitted advisory opinions. This new requirement will bring transparency to the O visa process.

In addition, this measure will enable labor unions to better monitor the outcomes of O visa cases and reduce uncertainty about the number of entertainment jobs filled by international artists.

H.R. 3636 will further strengthen international artistic exchange while promoting American workers.

In closing, I want to thank my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, Representatives Mimi Walters and Jerrold Nadler, for their leadership in crafting this bipartisan legislation. H.R. 3636 is a good bill, and I am pleased to support it.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source