WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is raising questions about a new policy memorandum issued by the Obama administration that may, according to the President, allow for hundreds of thousands of foreign workers being admitted to the United States, which could result in the displacement of U.S. workers.

In a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez, Grassley wrote, "I fear - especially in light of the remarks made by the President in March - the effect that this L-1B memo will have on American workers, particularly in the IT sector, who are already battered by mass layoffs, job offshoring, and depressed wages."

Grassley's letter cites an administration memo that purports to reform the L-1B nonimmigrant visa category which is specifically designed for the admission to the United States of temporary intracompany transferees with "specialized knowledge."  The L-1B visa program was never intended to be a high-volume temporary foreign worker program.

In addition, as a policy memorandum, and not a regulation, there is neither an opportunity for the submission of public comments to which the administration must respond, nor a requirement that the administration perform an economic impact assessment.

Grassley has previously written about concerns regarding the L-1B program, including an unclear number of L-1 visa holders actually in the United States, a broad definition of "specialized knowledge," a disconnect between the Departments of Homeland Security and State on blanket petitions, and the alleged use of L-1 visas to circumvent requirements of H-1B visas.  Grassley has serious doubts that the Obama administration's memo will address the real problems and loopholes within the program.

A signed copy of the letter is here.

Explore La Crosse is pleased to announce the first annual La Crosse Regional Tourism Expo and Hospitality Job Fair, a showcase for businesses, organizations, and individuals who attract visitors to the La Crosse area, Mississippi River Valley, and its surrounding communities. Taking place December 3rd in La Crosse Wisconsin, this event is a celebration of the area's dynamic and vital travel and tourism industry, which employs thousands and accounts for millions in economic impact, making it one of the region's largest industries. The Expo serves as a reminder of the crucial role tourism plays in our local economy and intends to bring area leaders, communities, and individuals together for a conversation on regional tourism and collaboration.

La Crosse Regional Tourism Expo and Hospitality Job Fair, will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 in the La Crosse Center 10am to 5pm. Participating area businesses will be showcasing their attractions, activities, and services to fellow stakeholders in the industry as well as to the community at large.

Explore La Crosse invites area travel and tourism-related businesses to participate and engage in this celebration, as well as to encourage employees, customers, and clientele to attend the Expo to converse, partner and learn more about what this region has to offer.

Businesses and individuals from the following counties are encouraged to exhibit: La Crosse (WI), Vernon (WI), Trempealeau (WI), Monroe (WI), Jackson (WI), Wabasha (MN), Winona (MN) , Houston (MN), Fillmore (MN), Winneshiek (IA), and Allamakee (IA).

Other events throughout the day include lightning talks, demos, raffles, food and refreshments from local restaurants, live entertainment, a new tourism ambassador program and more.

Admission is free but registration is required. Exhibitor space is available for $35.00 for job fair exhibitors and $50.00 for tourism & travel exhibitors and includes the opportunity to present or demo an experience, product, or service during the event.

For more information visit http://explorelacrosse.com/expo and download the event app for updates on exhibitors, schedule, and networking events during the expo

Nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year in Texas, Branson entertainer, Jeff Gordon, arrives in Coralville, Iowa, September 22nd, 2015 to perform one show only at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.  With his wide range of talent and musical ability, Jeff spends his time crisscrossing the country between Texas, Florida and the midwest, performing his music.  Jeff also is a Nashville recording artist with a cd of his own original music that has been heard throughout the USA and Europe.

On September 22nd, Jeff will be performing one of his most requested variety shows.  The first half of the show is a celebration of music, and will include country (Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins  & Johnny Cash), 50/60's Rock & Roll (Buddy Holly & Roy Orbison), Elvis and even a bit of Louis Armstrong and Dean Martin.  The second half of the show is a high energy show, as Jeff portrays and impersonates the legendary Tom Jones.   Folks who have seen Tom Jones perform in person, have shared with Jeff that if they sit back and close their eyes, they would swear they were listening to Tom Jones. Enjoy some of Tom's greatest hits including "Delilah", "It's Not Unusual" and "She's A Lady".

You can find out more information about Jeff by visiting his websites at JeffGordonShows.com and ATomJonesImpersonator.com.  You can also see videos at www.youtube.com/c/Jeffgordonshowsentertainment and  www.youtube.com/c/AtomjonesimpersonatorJeffGordon

Doors open at 6:30 and the performance begins at 7 pm.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit CoralvilleArts.org or call 319-248-9370.