Important Updates
Important Updates
September 15, 2025 | IsraelIsrael: Upcoming Immigration Office Closures
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Draft Core Skills Occupation List for Proposed Skills in Demand Visa Released
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: English Language Test Requirement Updated
September 16, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Changes to Job Check Process, Occupations List, and Police Clearance Requirements Announced
September 15, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Migration Program Planning Levels 2025–26 Announced
September 15, 2025 | IsraelIsrael: Upcoming Immigration Office Closures
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Draft Core Skills Occupation List for Proposed Skills in Demand Visa Released
September 16, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: English Language Test Requirement Updated
September 16, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Changes to Job Check Process, Occupations List, and Police Clearance Requirements Announced
September 15, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Migration Program Planning Levels 2025–26 Announced
September 15, 2025 | IsraelIsrael: Upcoming Immigration Office Closures
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Spending Bill Passed by Congress Extends Expiring Immigration Programs, Broadens Recovery Rebate Eligibility for Nonimmigrants

December 22, 2020

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • The FY 2021 budget and economic stimulus legislation extends E-Verify for one year and the EB-5 Regional Center Program for six months, among other immigration extensions.
  • The legislation also creates a second pandemic recovery rebate program, with less stringent Social Security Number requirements for nonimmigrants.
  • The measure must be signed by President Trump to become effective. If an appropriations package or a stop-gap spending measure is not signed into law by midnight on December 28, 2020, government operations could be suspended and the E-Verify and EB-5 immigration programs, among others, could lapse until a spending agreement is reached and enacted.

The issue

Congress has passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. If the President signs the legislation into law, it will fund the U.S. government (including immigration operations) through FY 2021, and extend four expiring immigration programs. The legislation also creates a second stimulus check program for U.S. taxpayers, including eligible nonimmigrants.

Government funding, as well as authorization for the E-Verify, Conrad 30, EB-5 Regional Center and EB-4 non-minister religious worker immigration programs, is set to lapse at midnight on December 28, 2020 if the Congressional spending bill or another temporary stop-gap measure is not signed into law by then.

Extension of expiring immigration programs

The E-Verify, Conrad 30 and non-minister religious worker green card programs would be reauthorized under the bill through September 30, 2021. 

The EB-5 Regional Center Program would be reauthorized without change for six months, through June 30, 2021. In the past, the program had typically been reauthorized in one-year increments. The six-month extension means that the program would expire in midyear unless Congress reauthorizes it once again. The short reauthorization also means Congress would have a midyear opportunity to make statutory changes to the program, which have long been discussed in the legislature.

Stimulus payments

Section 272 of the appropriations bill provides a tax credit (also known as a recovery rebate) of (1) $600 for eligible individuals (or $1,200 for those filing a joint return); and (2) an additional $600 per qualifying child, for those with an adjusted gross income of not more than $75,000 for individual taxpayers, $150,000 in the case of a joint income tax return, or $112,500 in the case of a head of household. The credit is reduced by $5 for every $100 in income above the threshold. 

For purposes of the rebate, an eligible individual is any individual who is a resident alien, as that term is defined under the Internal Revenue Code. A foreign national is a resident alien for income tax purposes if they meet either the green-card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year. 

Nonimmigrants who pay U.S. income taxes as resident aliens and who are not listed as dependents on another’s income tax return are likely to be eligible for the recovery rebate, provided they meet the income criteria and U.S. Social Security Number requirements. 

Taxpayers filing individually must list a valid SSN on their income tax return to be eligible for the rebate. Eligible taxpayers claiming additional rebates for dependent children must list a valid SSN for each child claimed.

In an important change from the Spring 2020 recovery rebate program, SSN requirements have been eased for married couples filing jointly. To qualify, one spouse must have an SSN. Previously, both spouses needed to have an SSN to qualify for the rebate. Thus, under the new law, an H-1B principal who files jointly with her H-4 spouse could qualify for a rebate as long as the couple meets the income requirement – and even if the H-4 spouse does not have employment authorization or an SSN. Married couples who were ineligible for the Spring 2020 rebate because one spouse did not have an SSN may claim that rebate on their joint 2020 income tax return.

Because it is structured as an advance tax credit, the recovery rebate is not a cash public benefit for purposes of public charge bars to admissibility.

What’s next for the appropriations legislation

President Trump was expected to sign the measure into law, but has recently indicated he may veto the bill if the economic stimulus package and other spending provisions are not revised by Congress.  If appropriations legislation or a temporary stop-gap measure is not enacted by midnight on December 28, 2020, government operations could be suspended and the expiring immigration programs could lapse until a spending agreement is reached and enacted.

Fragomen is closely following the legislation and will provide updates as developments occur.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Permanent Access Cards Replaced by Permanent Identity Cards for Golden Visa Holders in Jebel Ali Free Zone | #MobilityMinute

Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.

Learn more

Blog post

Under the Microscope: How UK Care Providers Can Prepare for Home Office Compliance Checks

Manager Evan Tutton and Associate Naomi Nyamaah discuss increased Home Office scrutiny of the UK care sector, including more sponsor licence compliance checks and enforcement visits due to concerns over non-compliance and exploitation.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Video

Permanent Access Cards Replaced by Permanent Identity Cards for Golden Visa Holders in Jebel Ali Free Zone | #MobilityMinute

Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.

Learn more

Blog post

Under the Microscope: How UK Care Providers Can Prepare for Home Office Compliance Checks

Manager Evan Tutton and Associate Naomi Nyamaah discuss increased Home Office scrutiny of the UK care sector, including more sponsor licence compliance checks and enforcement visits due to concerns over non-compliance and exploitation.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the 2025 Changes to Belgium’s Family Reunification Rules

Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.