MerciesOfInjustices
05-22 12:48 AM
On Monday, May 22, 2006, a very important new study was released on the "impact of backlogs, processing delays, and long wait times on legal immigrants seeking to join the U.S. workforce as skilled employment-based and family-sponsored immigrants". Aman Kapoor and Shilpa Ghodgaonkar from IV spoke at the release as did Senator Cornyn! The title of the study says it very clearly - Legal Immigrants: Waiting Forever (http://www.nfap.com/researchactivities/studies/NFAPStudyLegalImmigrantsWaitingForever052206.pdf)!
Certainly this is a great study, for several reasons.
It is the first of its kind
It is derived from official data, not from anecdotal evidence
It is written by independent, non-partisan scholars, who are not immigrants!
It confirms the need for fixing the 'Legal side of Immigration' ASAP!
Among the findings of the study:
• Waits for green cards (permanent residence) in the Skilled Workers and Professionals category have worsened considerably in the past few years, with the current wait for a newly-sponsored high skill immigrant in this category exceeding five years.
One of the co-authors is Stuart Anderson, Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy. He is very experienced on Immigration matters, and has served in the INS (in Policy/Planning) and on Capitol Hill. Impeccable credentials - though I would not support anybody on the operations side of the INS! He might have even authored the language of some of the laws that govern us now, when he served on Sen Brownback's staff!
Stuart Anderson, Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy, served as Executive Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning and Counselor to the Commissioner at the Immigration and Naturalization Service from August 2001 to January 2003. He spent four and a half years on Capitol Hill on the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, first for Senator Spencer Abraham and then as Staff Director of the subcommittee for Senator Sam Brownback. Prior to that, Stuart was Director of Trade and Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., where he produced reports on the military contributions of immigrants and the role of immigrants in high technology. He has an M.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Political Science from Drew University. Stuart has published articles in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and other publications.
Amongst others on NFAP Advisory Board, the name of James Ziglar stands out. Many of us remember him as the former head of the INS - definitely somebody who is well-versed with Immigration matters.
But, this Board also includes Prof Jagdish Bhagwati, renowned economist - certainly a very learned & highly-skilled immigrant. (Interestingly, if Prof Bhagwati had to apply for his Green Card today - he would get it only in several years! Or, they would have to get an Act of Congress for him!). Also on the Board is Cesar Conda, who was an advisor to Vice-President Cheney on domestic policy.
The official release (http://www.nfap.com/researchactivities/studies/NFAPRelease052206.pdf) of the study took place at Washington D.C.
Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who opposes the current guestworker plan in the bill being debated in the Senate, said he had offered an amendment to the bill that would eliminate the quota for some highly-skilled workers educated in the US. He said economic competitiveness was at stake in the way in which the issue was handled.
Aman Kapoor, founder of the group (Immigration Voice), says the broken employment-based immigration system forces workers like him to live in a state of limbo. People working in the US who are waiting for their green cards, as he has done since October 2003, cannot change jobs or move up in position, thus restricting their opportunities, he says.
It was also covered by MSNBC (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12919954/).
Please look up the NFAP website NFAP (http://www.nfap.com)! It is amazingly accurate, and uptodate. It highlights mostly H-1B related issues, but is very knowledgeable about the business aspects of Immigration.
We already know our issues, but a study from non-partisan scholars adds immense weight to them! Even if this study goes beyond our issues, all of the issues will be important to us or our family at some point of our lives!
In summary, this study will be huge in advancing our cause!
Certainly this is a great study, for several reasons.
It is the first of its kind
It is derived from official data, not from anecdotal evidence
It is written by independent, non-partisan scholars, who are not immigrants!
It confirms the need for fixing the 'Legal side of Immigration' ASAP!
Among the findings of the study:
• Waits for green cards (permanent residence) in the Skilled Workers and Professionals category have worsened considerably in the past few years, with the current wait for a newly-sponsored high skill immigrant in this category exceeding five years.
One of the co-authors is Stuart Anderson, Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy. He is very experienced on Immigration matters, and has served in the INS (in Policy/Planning) and on Capitol Hill. Impeccable credentials - though I would not support anybody on the operations side of the INS! He might have even authored the language of some of the laws that govern us now, when he served on Sen Brownback's staff!
Stuart Anderson, Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy, served as Executive Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning and Counselor to the Commissioner at the Immigration and Naturalization Service from August 2001 to January 2003. He spent four and a half years on Capitol Hill on the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, first for Senator Spencer Abraham and then as Staff Director of the subcommittee for Senator Sam Brownback. Prior to that, Stuart was Director of Trade and Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., where he produced reports on the military contributions of immigrants and the role of immigrants in high technology. He has an M.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Political Science from Drew University. Stuart has published articles in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and other publications.
Amongst others on NFAP Advisory Board, the name of James Ziglar stands out. Many of us remember him as the former head of the INS - definitely somebody who is well-versed with Immigration matters.
But, this Board also includes Prof Jagdish Bhagwati, renowned economist - certainly a very learned & highly-skilled immigrant. (Interestingly, if Prof Bhagwati had to apply for his Green Card today - he would get it only in several years! Or, they would have to get an Act of Congress for him!). Also on the Board is Cesar Conda, who was an advisor to Vice-President Cheney on domestic policy.
The official release (http://www.nfap.com/researchactivities/studies/NFAPRelease052206.pdf) of the study took place at Washington D.C.
Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who opposes the current guestworker plan in the bill being debated in the Senate, said he had offered an amendment to the bill that would eliminate the quota for some highly-skilled workers educated in the US. He said economic competitiveness was at stake in the way in which the issue was handled.
Aman Kapoor, founder of the group (Immigration Voice), says the broken employment-based immigration system forces workers like him to live in a state of limbo. People working in the US who are waiting for their green cards, as he has done since October 2003, cannot change jobs or move up in position, thus restricting their opportunities, he says.
It was also covered by MSNBC (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12919954/).
Please look up the NFAP website NFAP (http://www.nfap.com)! It is amazingly accurate, and uptodate. It highlights mostly H-1B related issues, but is very knowledgeable about the business aspects of Immigration.
We already know our issues, but a study from non-partisan scholars adds immense weight to them! Even if this study goes beyond our issues, all of the issues will be important to us or our family at some point of our lives!
In summary, this study will be huge in advancing our cause!
qasleuth
07-17 11:51 AM
Do you have a shred of evidence that the programs you quote do not bring in a cook or a dancer or a painter or a programmer ?
I got all these from your first post. What do you call them ?
"unskilled/low skill immigrants cause higher unemployment", "unskilled/low skilled immigration == jobs not created, remain uneployed", "DV / Family based immigration brings in unskilled/low skilled immigrants"
Look around and you will see anti-immigrants spewing this 'evidence' everywhere, from blogs, to news articles, to the senate, to bars. The same arguments are made against 'skilled' immigration which you and I belong to. What numbers do they quote ? Anecdotal nonsense everywhere.
Making yourself sound more skilled but making the same flawed arguments will get us nowhere. Bashing another group is plain BS.
Skilled = anyone having skills to remain employed (or provide healthy contribution to the economy) at that point of time
So this can be a cook, dancer, painter or a programmer - if the society or economy needs one. Tomorrow, if my programmer skills are no longer required for this economy and country then I can be categorized unskilled labor too.
I am sorry if I look biased. I have no such intentions as I made clear in my first post itself. All my intentions of discussion are based on the definition given above for the word "skilled".
I got all these from your first post. What do you call them ?
"unskilled/low skill immigrants cause higher unemployment", "unskilled/low skilled immigration == jobs not created, remain uneployed", "DV / Family based immigration brings in unskilled/low skilled immigrants"
Look around and you will see anti-immigrants spewing this 'evidence' everywhere, from blogs, to news articles, to the senate, to bars. The same arguments are made against 'skilled' immigration which you and I belong to. What numbers do they quote ? Anecdotal nonsense everywhere.
Making yourself sound more skilled but making the same flawed arguments will get us nowhere. Bashing another group is plain BS.
Skilled = anyone having skills to remain employed (or provide healthy contribution to the economy) at that point of time
So this can be a cook, dancer, painter or a programmer - if the society or economy needs one. Tomorrow, if my programmer skills are no longer required for this economy and country then I can be categorized unskilled labor too.
I am sorry if I look biased. I have no such intentions as I made clear in my first post itself. All my intentions of discussion are based on the definition given above for the word "skilled".
gc2
09-23 01:34 PM
pd is june 06. labor is perm. if i become a consultant would i join a new employer on EAD or H transfer or would it not make a difference ?
mihird
07-20 05:43 PM
But my question is can you have BOTH of them. Some say you can have 2 H1s at the same time for different companies, so hence my question was, can you have an H1 and an L1 at the same time.
Biju, whom did you ask, an immigration attorney or just on forums?
A concurrent H1 and L1 should be doable too...much like two concurrent H1s...
As long as you meet the requirements of the two visa categories, you should be able to hold both concurrently...
My knowledge on L1 is limited, but I thought, unlike H1, L1 was not as much a dual intent visa...it required evidence of some times to the foreign domicile..although, I could be wrong...I faintly remember the laws governing L1 were signficantly changed a couple of years back...
In short, if L1 is not much of a dual intent as H1, you might have trouble getting the two approved concurrently, but if they are equally dual intent, getting them concurrently shouldn't be a problem...
Biju, whom did you ask, an immigration attorney or just on forums?
A concurrent H1 and L1 should be doable too...much like two concurrent H1s...
As long as you meet the requirements of the two visa categories, you should be able to hold both concurrently...
My knowledge on L1 is limited, but I thought, unlike H1, L1 was not as much a dual intent visa...it required evidence of some times to the foreign domicile..although, I could be wrong...I faintly remember the laws governing L1 were signficantly changed a couple of years back...
In short, if L1 is not much of a dual intent as H1, you might have trouble getting the two approved concurrently, but if they are equally dual intent, getting them concurrently shouldn't be a problem...
more...
newyorker123
09-02 08:03 AM
lj_rr,
you dont need any special form to make FOIA request to DOL.
"The Department of Labor does not require a special form in order to make a FOIA request. Requests must be in writing, either handwritten or typed. Requests may be submitted by fax, courier services, mail, or to foiarequest@dol.gov. Although, as discussed immediately below, certain information may be required from a requester. "
U.S. Department of Labor -- Freedom of Information Act Guide (http://www.dol.gov/dol/foia/guide6.htm#how)
I wanted both Approval notice and Application(ETA-750), please tell me how to make this request?
you dont need any special form to make FOIA request to DOL.
"The Department of Labor does not require a special form in order to make a FOIA request. Requests must be in writing, either handwritten or typed. Requests may be submitted by fax, courier services, mail, or to foiarequest@dol.gov. Although, as discussed immediately below, certain information may be required from a requester. "
U.S. Department of Labor -- Freedom of Information Act Guide (http://www.dol.gov/dol/foia/guide6.htm#how)
I wanted both Approval notice and Application(ETA-750), please tell me how to make this request?
number30
11-18 08:13 PM
Did that H1B got approved later?
more...
jprangi
08-04 11:28 PM
I know lot of people are waiting. But just want to tell you all the INS is moving forward may be slow. I just received my receipt notices today. My application reached INS on July second at 11:25 am. My checks have also been cashed.
Cheer up guys and keep you fingers crossed.
-Rangi
Cheer up guys and keep you fingers crossed.
-Rangi
cagedcactus
05-02 01:54 PM
I just received an email from my lawyer that my I 140 was denied.
The reason stated was my company is not able to prove the funds to support my salary.
I am on 5 year of H1-b. Exactly one year left.
I dont want to stay with same company if I have to file fresh in PERM. What are the best options available for me now?
If I transfer the H-1, do I have enough time to get approve in PERM and a new I 140 to file extension for three more years on H1-b?
please help....
The reason stated was my company is not able to prove the funds to support my salary.
I am on 5 year of H1-b. Exactly one year left.
I dont want to stay with same company if I have to file fresh in PERM. What are the best options available for me now?
If I transfer the H-1, do I have enough time to get approve in PERM and a new I 140 to file extension for three more years on H1-b?
please help....
more...
acecupid
08-21 05:51 PM
Did you file directly to NSC or TSC?
DAte, time etc.
Thanks in advance!
Applied at NSC and was received on 16th July at 9:30am
DAte, time etc.
Thanks in advance!
Applied at NSC and was received on 16th July at 9:30am
hebron
06-21 10:58 AM
Hi Guys,
Have a question about porting from EB3 to EB2 suing the experience I gained from my current employer. Can I fall back to my existing EB3 application if I file EB2 labor and I-140 and these get denied? Please suggest and I am also not sure if the requirement that job descriptions have to be 50% different cam be met. Software Engineer and Principal software engineer jobs have same SOC and DOT codes.
Job description when I was hired: (software engineer): Understand client requirements, design, document and develop object-oriented software solutions; debugging and code review, unit tetsing code for all logic and flow, participates in the test review thorugh test review and analysis. Experience require 2-4 years.
My current job description: (Principal Software engineer): Designs, modifies, develops, writes and implements software programming applications. Coordinates work teams - Provides technical support to project team members and co-ordinate with technical team and Quality assurance team. Provide consultation and expertise in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures on complex projects. Extensive experience and judgment required to plan and accomplish goals. Experience required is 8-10 years.
Have a question about porting from EB3 to EB2 suing the experience I gained from my current employer. Can I fall back to my existing EB3 application if I file EB2 labor and I-140 and these get denied? Please suggest and I am also not sure if the requirement that job descriptions have to be 50% different cam be met. Software Engineer and Principal software engineer jobs have same SOC and DOT codes.
Job description when I was hired: (software engineer): Understand client requirements, design, document and develop object-oriented software solutions; debugging and code review, unit tetsing code for all logic and flow, participates in the test review thorugh test review and analysis. Experience require 2-4 years.
My current job description: (Principal Software engineer): Designs, modifies, develops, writes and implements software programming applications. Coordinates work teams - Provides technical support to project team members and co-ordinate with technical team and Quality assurance team. Provide consultation and expertise in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures on complex projects. Extensive experience and judgment required to plan and accomplish goals. Experience required is 8-10 years.
more...
chunky
07-27 08:49 AM
Can we leave country and apply for H4 visa at US embassy.
Will I 485 be abandoned with it.
Thanks
To travel out of the US when a 485 is pending,
1. You should have AP or
2. A valid H-1, H-4 or L-1, L-2 stamp on the passport + 485 receipt
So in your case, you have to wait until you either get the AP or the H-4 change is effective. Until then, you cannot travel.
Will I 485 be abandoned with it.
Thanks
To travel out of the US when a 485 is pending,
1. You should have AP or
2. A valid H-1, H-4 or L-1, L-2 stamp on the passport + 485 receipt
So in your case, you have to wait until you either get the AP or the H-4 change is effective. Until then, you cannot travel.
go_guy123
01-11 09:47 AM
The second part also sounds pretty reasonable to me:
This PAV would be issued upon successful completion of an application process that would involve the following:
1. Providing documentary evidence (school records, doctor�s records, etc.) that the applicant was in the United States before he or she reached their thirteenth birthday and be no older than twenty-five at the time they file their application;
2. Background checks for any prior convictions involving fraud, assault, reckless driving or DWI, failure to appear at any immigration hearing, or any past record of voluntary or involuntary deportation. Any such convictions would lead to a presumption of an unsuccessful application;
3. Evidence of the withholding of any relevant information, or submitting false information would result in the automatic failure of an application. Any failure of an application would result in the applicant returning to his previous immigration status;
4. Failure of an application due to withholding information or providing false information would subject the applicant to expedited removal proceedings;
5. Waivers of any requirement connected with the application process could only be made on a case by case basis by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security setting out in detail the "compelling evidence" underlying such a waiver and the evidence used to support such a determination.
The Permanent Administrative Visa would carry with it the following authorizations:
1. PAV holders would be allowed to legally work and obtain a U.S. passport (on the condition of turning in any other passports) for foreign travel;
2. It would allow holders to establish residency in any state according to that state's requirements and be on equal footing with other legal immigrants with regard to state and local laws and policies;
The Permanent Administrative Visa would carry with it the following prohibitions:
1. Holders of the PAV would not be able to sponsor family members and relatives for LPR status;
2. Holding an PAV would not imply any safe harbor for applicant's family members;
3. Holders of PAVs would not be eligible to receive means-tested public welfare benefits;
4. Holders of PAVs would not be able to adjust their immigration status for a period of 10 years and then only through an administrative hearing in which the holder presented compelling evidence that such an adjustment is in the public interest. Such evidence would consist of, but not be limited to, applicant's work history, community service, military service, family circumstances, and the results of policy and security checks.
A One-time Only Policy: Consistent with the knowledge that adjusting the status of illegal immigrants brings with it the expectation that adjustments of the same kind will be made in the future, the language authorizing this initiative will explicitly state that:
1. That no further adjustments to legal status will be made for children brought into the country illegally after the date on which this bill becomes law;
2. That parents who bring their young children into the country illegally after the date of enactment will be subject to expedited removal proceedings.
This is still riddled with amnesty....more punitive versions will surely come which the democratic party will oppose for sure.
This PAV would be issued upon successful completion of an application process that would involve the following:
1. Providing documentary evidence (school records, doctor�s records, etc.) that the applicant was in the United States before he or she reached their thirteenth birthday and be no older than twenty-five at the time they file their application;
2. Background checks for any prior convictions involving fraud, assault, reckless driving or DWI, failure to appear at any immigration hearing, or any past record of voluntary or involuntary deportation. Any such convictions would lead to a presumption of an unsuccessful application;
3. Evidence of the withholding of any relevant information, or submitting false information would result in the automatic failure of an application. Any failure of an application would result in the applicant returning to his previous immigration status;
4. Failure of an application due to withholding information or providing false information would subject the applicant to expedited removal proceedings;
5. Waivers of any requirement connected with the application process could only be made on a case by case basis by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security setting out in detail the "compelling evidence" underlying such a waiver and the evidence used to support such a determination.
The Permanent Administrative Visa would carry with it the following authorizations:
1. PAV holders would be allowed to legally work and obtain a U.S. passport (on the condition of turning in any other passports) for foreign travel;
2. It would allow holders to establish residency in any state according to that state's requirements and be on equal footing with other legal immigrants with regard to state and local laws and policies;
The Permanent Administrative Visa would carry with it the following prohibitions:
1. Holders of the PAV would not be able to sponsor family members and relatives for LPR status;
2. Holding an PAV would not imply any safe harbor for applicant's family members;
3. Holders of PAVs would not be eligible to receive means-tested public welfare benefits;
4. Holders of PAVs would not be able to adjust their immigration status for a period of 10 years and then only through an administrative hearing in which the holder presented compelling evidence that such an adjustment is in the public interest. Such evidence would consist of, but not be limited to, applicant's work history, community service, military service, family circumstances, and the results of policy and security checks.
A One-time Only Policy: Consistent with the knowledge that adjusting the status of illegal immigrants brings with it the expectation that adjustments of the same kind will be made in the future, the language authorizing this initiative will explicitly state that:
1. That no further adjustments to legal status will be made for children brought into the country illegally after the date on which this bill becomes law;
2. That parents who bring their young children into the country illegally after the date of enactment will be subject to expedited removal proceedings.
This is still riddled with amnesty....more punitive versions will surely come which the democratic party will oppose for sure.
more...
krishmunn
02-02 07:53 AM
If you are working in a arbitrary job in a location different from where TVU is (which indicates you never attended classes in TVU) , you are in serious trouble. Your best bet in that case is to quietly leave US ASAP or change your status to H1/H4 if possible.
In any case, stop working immediately and talk to an attorney.
In any case, stop working immediately and talk to an attorney.
hanu0913
10-08 03:12 PM
Your sentences are confusing. Please no offense.
You can file your wife's I-485(derivative adjustment) once the PD is current. So just relax and keep on looking Visa Bulletin every month to check if the priority dates are current.
My case : got GC on June. Filed wife's case in June and she has an EAD.
All the best.
so here is exact question , what about if i get GC approval before my PD gets current?
You can file your wife's I-485(derivative adjustment) once the PD is current. So just relax and keep on looking Visa Bulletin every month to check if the priority dates are current.
My case : got GC on June. Filed wife's case in June and she has an EAD.
All the best.
so here is exact question , what about if i get GC approval before my PD gets current?
more...
GotGC??
03-27 02:09 PM
You missed the sarcasm, never mind :)
Yes, depending on how the educational requirements in your LC is worded - I mean right down to the last word - it just might leave you with some room for manoeuvre.
Yes. I have paid quite amount of money to fill the PERM application.
So, what you are saying that I actually can continue the process?
Yes, depending on how the educational requirements in your LC is worded - I mean right down to the last word - it just might leave you with some room for manoeuvre.
Yes. I have paid quite amount of money to fill the PERM application.
So, what you are saying that I actually can continue the process?
redgreen
08-04 10:26 AM
I think still there are some people waiting for their finger printing? Thousands for I-140 approval and ofcourse there are people from even 2001 waiting for I-485 approval. Most would have got their receipts, I think.
more...
Sakthisagar
11-11 09:21 AM
I do not know whether this can be done, always consult with an attorney.
any Notarized document is as good as oringinals, Please get signed all your certificate copies showing the originals to a Notary Public, I think this should work. If you decide to send originals attach a self paid courier (Fed-ex)(to address yours) USCIS will never send back the document otherwise. I remember previously the H1B visa stamping was in US itself to get the passport back we need to send a self addressed FED-EX cover pre-paid.
Good Luck.
any Notarized document is as good as oringinals, Please get signed all your certificate copies showing the originals to a Notary Public, I think this should work. If you decide to send originals attach a self paid courier (Fed-ex)(to address yours) USCIS will never send back the document otherwise. I remember previously the H1B visa stamping was in US itself to get the passport back we need to send a self addressed FED-EX cover pre-paid.
Good Luck.
tnite
07-26 03:11 PM
My company filed my green card and have applied for 485 for me and my wife on July 19 with July visa bulletin reinstated. We have also applied for AP and EAD for my wife. We both are on H1 at this time. My wife' job is going to end by month end.
Does she need to file change of status to H4 or it is fine to stay in US with AOS pending status.
My 140 is still pending
What do you mean by job ending this month? Is she not interested in looking for other projects or is she planning to change to H4?
If she's not planning to continue working then she has to change to H4.
Does she need to file change of status to H4 or it is fine to stay in US with AOS pending status.
My 140 is still pending
What do you mean by job ending this month? Is she not interested in looking for other projects or is she planning to change to H4?
If she's not planning to continue working then she has to change to H4.
wandmaker
06-19 07:08 AM
Folks,
I am due for an EAD renewal. However, my I-485 Receipt Notice got lost in mail. :(
Can I still e-file. A lot of you said, we have to send a copy of the receipt notice as a supporting document. Can I do without it.
Any pointers would be really appreciated.
Thank You
-Bipin
Copy of your biometrics notice is enough in case of missing 485 receipt notices. And USCIS should be able to verify pending 485 with the A#.
I am due for an EAD renewal. However, my I-485 Receipt Notice got lost in mail. :(
Can I still e-file. A lot of you said, we have to send a copy of the receipt notice as a supporting document. Can I do without it.
Any pointers would be really appreciated.
Thank You
-Bipin
Copy of your biometrics notice is enough in case of missing 485 receipt notices. And USCIS should be able to verify pending 485 with the A#.
naturopathicpt
06-26 05:32 PM
I appreciate your reply but I cannot understand what you mean on your first response Atty. Prashanthi. Some of my questions on my first statement have not been answered.
gc_dream07
03-30 10:39 PM
Enjoy the freedom.
Good Luck with next endeavor (citizenship I guess!!:))
Good Luck with next endeavor (citizenship I guess!!:))
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