Services trade deal could open US to more foreign workers

That led to a letter by then-U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick promising the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee not to include such provisions in future trade pacts.

The issue also hung over the unsuccessful Doha round of world trade talks.

India became convinced the United States would not provide more visas and resisted demands to open its manufacturing and agriculture markets, Allgeier said.

However, the Obama administrations and senior lawmakers are promising action this year on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, which could include more visas for high-skilled workers.

That potentially could free the United States' hands to deal with visa demands in talks on the services pact.

The United States also will likely face pressure in the negotiations to lower barriers in sectors such as shipping, telecommunications and air travel, Allgeier said.

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