Classification of Certain Scientists of the Commonwealth of Independent States of the Former Soviet Union and the Baltic States as Employment-Based Immigrants

요약

This interim rule implements changes to the Soviet Scientists Immigration Act of 1992 (SSIA), Public Law 102-509, made by the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003, Public Law 107-228. The SSIA, as amended, reinstates the authority to allot visas under section 203(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality (Act) to eligible scientists or engineers of the independent states of the former Soviet Union and the Baltic states with expertise in nuclear, chemical, biological, or other high-technology field or defense projects. This rule amends the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to codify the new sunset date of September 30, 2006 and the new numerical limit of 950 visas (excluding spouses and children if accompanying or following to join). The rule also modifies the evidence eligible scientists or engineers must submit to establish their expertise or work experience in such high technology fields or defense projects.