The L nonimmigrant classification was added
to the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to make it easier for
corporations doing business in the United States to bring key foreign
employees to the United States to work, that is, to permit international companies to temporarily transfer
qualified employees to the United States for the purpose of improving
management effectiveness, expanding United States exports, and enhancing
competitiveness in overseas markets.
Prior to the enactment of Public Law
91-225, no nonimmigrant classification existed which fully met the needs
of intracompany transferees. Those who did not qualify as E
nonimmigrants were forced to apply for immigrant visas to the United
States, even if there was no intent to permanently reside in the United
States.
The "L" provision of the INA was not
intended to alleviate or remedy a shortage of United States workers,
since a basis for admission of workers for whom there is a shortage is
provided under INA § 101(a)(15)(H) Furthermore, the L classification was not created for self-employed
persons to enter the United States, unless they are otherwise qualified
for L status, nor was the L classification intended to accommodate the
complete relocation of foreign business to the United States.
