Here's my take on the new Visa Bulletin

First, bad news for Dominicans. Separate cutoffs have now been established for the Family First and 2B preference categories which are now earlier than the worldwide dates. Family First is 01 JUN 2004 and 2B is 01 JAN 2002. Also, Indian numbers are pretty bad again with most categories stalled. Mexico is the only bright spot with some strong improvements in the employment categories. 

Family 1st- no improvement for most countries; three week advance for Mexico.

Family 2A - world numbers jump from June 2010 to August 2010; Mexico stalled at March 2010. 

Family 2B - world numbers stalled at June 2005; Mexico stalled at June 1992. Philippines numbers jump 30 months to September 2002.

Family 3rd - Most countries stalled at June 2002. Philippines retrogresses to from 01 March 1995 to July 1992 (apologies for the earlier misstatement on this one).

Family 4th - Most countries stalled at January 2002. One week advance for Mexico to 22 December 1995. The Philippines retrogresses from 1991 to 01 January 1988.

Employment 1st - still current in all categories.

Employment 2nd - weak movement for India and China; just a two week improvement for China (08 June 2006) and stalled again for India (8 May 2006).

Employment 3rd - modest movement; one month advance for most countries to 22 February 2005; two week advance for China to 08 December 2003; India is stalled at 22 January 2002. Mexico jumps 13 months to 01 July 2002 and the Philippines jumps a month to 22 February 2005.

Employment 3rd Other Workers – three week improvement for most countries to 22 April 2003; India stalled at 22 January 2002; Mexico jumps 13 months to 01 July 2002; 

Employment 4th - still current in all categories.

Employment 5th - still current in all categories.

The New York Times reports that nearly 700,000 foreign students came to the US last year and that for the first time, Chinese students were the number one nationality. India previously held that distinction. Indian students were up 1.6% last year compared to a nearly 30% jump in Chinese students. 

Hazleton, Pennsylvania, one of the first towns in the country to enact an anti-immigrant ordinance, has already had its law thrown out by the courts. Now the taxpayers of Hazleton are going to be stuck paying the plaintiffs' bill for the litigation - potentially $2.4 million. Hazleton's insurance carrier told the town it was not going to cover the claim and the courts have now sided with the insurance company. A lot of politicians around the country are pushing laws like Hazleton's or Arizona's SB1070 even though they know there's a good chance the law will be rejected by the courts. Why? Because they score political points at a seeming low cost to taxpayers. Perhaps the Hazleton case will be a reminder that irresponsible lawmaking can come with a hefty price tag.

The Bowles-Simpson Deficit Reduction Commission released it's preliminary recommendations this week for closing the government's massive budget deficit. The report will contain a lot of controversial cuts and tax increases and given the fiscal crisis in which the country finds itself, the effort is commendable.

While a lot of great ideas are listed in the preview, there are certainly some where more thought is needed. Some budget cuts may bring short term gains, but end up costing the public more in the long run. The same is true for tax increases.

One proposal that caused me immediate worry is the elimination of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Delta Regional Authority. I live in a state that is under the jurisdiction of both agencies (the ARC in eastern Tennessee and the DRA in the west part of the state). There is serious poverty in both areas and these two agencies have done commendable work promoting economic development in two of the country's most underdeveloped regions. The relatively small investment taxpayers make comes with a big payoff in terms of jobs created and tax revenue generated.

Both agencies also realized many years ago that economic development in poor communities is stifled when a town lacks doctors and patients have to travel long distances to get basic health care. That's why they both have active J-1 waiver programs where doctors willing to spend three or more years in a medically underserved community can be sponsored to remain in the US after their training years are over. These programs cost little compared to the benefits they provide and they disproportionately benefit poor people.

I hope that as Congress considers the proposal's recommendations, that there be an opportunity to take a careful look at each recommendation before deciding to accept the idea.

By the way, here's a press release from the DRA making the case for its importance:

“The Delta Regional Authority recognizes the important mission of the Commission as it looks at deficit reduction concepts; however, I strongly question the Commission's recommendation to eliminate the Authority," DRA Chairman Chris Masingill stated today. Continuing, Chairman Masingill said, “The Authority is doing its part to improve the economy of the region and reducing the nation’s budget deficit – through our strong record of job creation and retention.”

“The Authority's local and regional investments are returning taxpayer dollars, and are improving the region’s economy and its communities. I will personally go anywhere - before any panel - to make the case for our region and the Authority. I am eager to engage in the conversation. I am confident of the Authority’s market-proven work record,” Chairman Masingill said.

“The Delta Regional Authority serves as an economic multiplier for the 8-state Delta Region,” said Chairman Masingill.  “We will continue to exist and play an important role in the nation’s economic recovery because the Authority is in the business of growing and retaining jobs, and the best way to reduce the deficit and spur the economy is to put people back to work.”

“By creating the Delta Regional Authority, bipartisan Congressional partners, solidified the national commitment to uplifting the Delta Region.  This unique economic development organization has produced real results with clear outcomes.  In less than a decade, the Authority has invested nearly $86.2 million into more than 600 projects leveraging $1.4 Billion in private-sector investment, producing an overall 22 to 1 return on taxpayer dollars.” 

“Together with our partners, the Authority is creating/retaining approximately 19,000 jobs, and we are bringing new water and/or sewer services to more than 43,000 families.   An independent report from USDA’s Economic Research Service found that per capita income grew more rapidly in counties where the DRA had the greatest investment.  Each additional dollar of DRA spending per capita results in a $15 increase in personal income – and this means real money in the pockets of our families.” 

“Not only do we generate more income for our families, but we do it with transparent policies that are accountable to taxpayers, as proven by nine clean independent audits showing tangible results.”

“The Authority knows the economic pulse of the region, as we work hand-in-hand with local leaders, governors and other federal agencies.  Together, we have shown consistent progress with our leverage, our outcomes and our reduction of duplication and fragmentation.”

A recipe for disaster in 2012 warns Somos Republicans. Of course, if you're a cynical hyperpartisan Democrat, you're savoring the impact of King's likely hearings on birthright citizenship.