waitnwatch
08-30 12:36 AM
Isnt recording conversations without the consent illegal? :confused:
I think that applies to telephone conversations only though I may be wrong. Doesn't hurt to record conversation though - the most that will happen is that the lawyer will say that it is not admissible in a court of law.
I think that applies to telephone conversations only though I may be wrong. Doesn't hurt to record conversation though - the most that will happen is that the lawyer will say that it is not admissible in a court of law.
prem_goel
03-07 08:06 PM
Hello Ann,
I very much appreciate and thankful for your last reply. Unfortunately, the prospective employer did not agree to file her COS due to some of their own internal regulations.
Now, the current employer through which my sister came here on B1 wants her here but is not willing to file a B1 Extension. Instead, they want her to travel back to India on the day her I-94 expires, and come back again immediately within a week, so that she can again continue to be here for another 90 days.
I wanted to ask your opinion if you think that'll be a problem at Port of Entry? Ofcourse, my sister is going to carry all her documents and the letter, but I do not know if the Immigration Officer at PoE would create any problems/issue? This company however is a well-known company in the ranks of Google, Microsoft etc. That's the only consolation we have that it might be just okay.
Please advise,
Thanks
P
Hi Prem,
As long as your sister is complying with the terms of her B-1 admission, she is entitled to begin work for the new employer as soon as that employer files an H-1 petition requesting a change of status on her behalf. Pay stubs from her original H employer should not be required. The language quoted below is from a Nov. 2000 USCIS Q&A:
"Q10: Who is eligible to use the H1B "portability" provisions?
A10: The portability provisions allow a nonimmigrant alien previously issued an H-1B visa or otherwise accorded H-1B status to begin working for a new H-1B employer as soon as the new employer files an H-1B petition for the alien. Previously, aliens in this situation had to await INS approval before commencing the new H-1B employment. These provisions apply to H-1B petitions filed "before, on, or after" the date of enactment, so all aliens who meet this definition can begin using the portability provisions.
Q11: Are there any other limitations on the portability provisions?
A11: An alien must have been lawfully admitted into the United States. The new employer must have filed a "non-frivolous" petition while the alien was in a period of stay authorized by the Attorney General. A non-frivolous petition is one that has some basis in law or fact. INS plans to further define this in its implementing regulations. Subsequent to such lawful admission, the alien must not have been employed without authorization."
However, if the request for a change of status is made too soon after her arrival USCIS could find that she committed fraud at entry. For that reason, I strongly advise that nothing be filed (including the LCA)until your sister has been here at least 30 days, and preferably 60 days.
Also, if your sister was out of the US for a year or more, there is a possibility that she might be subject to the H-1 cap.
Hope this information is helpful.
Ann
I very much appreciate and thankful for your last reply. Unfortunately, the prospective employer did not agree to file her COS due to some of their own internal regulations.
Now, the current employer through which my sister came here on B1 wants her here but is not willing to file a B1 Extension. Instead, they want her to travel back to India on the day her I-94 expires, and come back again immediately within a week, so that she can again continue to be here for another 90 days.
I wanted to ask your opinion if you think that'll be a problem at Port of Entry? Ofcourse, my sister is going to carry all her documents and the letter, but I do not know if the Immigration Officer at PoE would create any problems/issue? This company however is a well-known company in the ranks of Google, Microsoft etc. That's the only consolation we have that it might be just okay.
Please advise,
Thanks
P
Hi Prem,
As long as your sister is complying with the terms of her B-1 admission, she is entitled to begin work for the new employer as soon as that employer files an H-1 petition requesting a change of status on her behalf. Pay stubs from her original H employer should not be required. The language quoted below is from a Nov. 2000 USCIS Q&A:
"Q10: Who is eligible to use the H1B "portability" provisions?
A10: The portability provisions allow a nonimmigrant alien previously issued an H-1B visa or otherwise accorded H-1B status to begin working for a new H-1B employer as soon as the new employer files an H-1B petition for the alien. Previously, aliens in this situation had to await INS approval before commencing the new H-1B employment. These provisions apply to H-1B petitions filed "before, on, or after" the date of enactment, so all aliens who meet this definition can begin using the portability provisions.
Q11: Are there any other limitations on the portability provisions?
A11: An alien must have been lawfully admitted into the United States. The new employer must have filed a "non-frivolous" petition while the alien was in a period of stay authorized by the Attorney General. A non-frivolous petition is one that has some basis in law or fact. INS plans to further define this in its implementing regulations. Subsequent to such lawful admission, the alien must not have been employed without authorization."
However, if the request for a change of status is made too soon after her arrival USCIS could find that she committed fraud at entry. For that reason, I strongly advise that nothing be filed (including the LCA)until your sister has been here at least 30 days, and preferably 60 days.
Also, if your sister was out of the US for a year or more, there is a possibility that she might be subject to the H-1 cap.
Hope this information is helpful.
Ann
abhijitp
01-25 01:35 PM
Volunteers all over the country are helping this effort outside of a local train station in SF Bay area, and members who live within 2 miles of the train station don't even read their mails!
Thanks Janislal and Kicca.
Together, we will make the admin fixes HAPPEN!
Thanks Janislal and Kicca.
Together, we will make the admin fixes HAPPEN!
ab2k7
07-17 04:28 AM
Thanks desi3933,
The article here from Murthy specifies the solution in a different way and doesn't mention the need of filing LC or 140 again if the LC was properly filed as roving employee. Will have to confirm with attorney. Hope this would help ppl in similar situations.
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_svcupd.html
I-485 Filing for Roving Employees
�MurthyDotCom
The USCIS indicated that, if a roving employee's I-140 petition is filed with Service Center A where the company is headquartered, but the employee moves to Service Center B's jurisdiction before the I-485 is filed, the employee may file the I-485 with either Service Center A or Service Center B. The USCIS also noted, however, that if the I-140 petition is filed at Service Center A, and then the I-485 is filed with Service Center B, the I-485 must be held until the I-140 is adjudicated. It is not clear if this means no action will be taken or if it simply cannot be approved until the I-140 petition is adjudicated. Roving employees are those who do not have fixed work sites, but can be moved from location to location, depending upon the needs of the employer. This is common with IT contractors. The safer approach would be to file the I-140 petition and the I-485 application in the same Service Center to avoid additional delays or the need to transfer the file from one Service Center to another.
In this instance when ever a consultant or "roving employee" moves to another city/state an LCA amendment is to be filed to accomodate USCIS rules. Whether this would have any adverse effect on LC/140/485 as far as refiling/ RFEs later is still not clear. I'll keep looking around for more credible info regarding the same. Pls point out of you guys know of any.
Thanks again in advance.
The article here from Murthy specifies the solution in a different way and doesn't mention the need of filing LC or 140 again if the LC was properly filed as roving employee. Will have to confirm with attorney. Hope this would help ppl in similar situations.
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_svcupd.html
I-485 Filing for Roving Employees
�MurthyDotCom
The USCIS indicated that, if a roving employee's I-140 petition is filed with Service Center A where the company is headquartered, but the employee moves to Service Center B's jurisdiction before the I-485 is filed, the employee may file the I-485 with either Service Center A or Service Center B. The USCIS also noted, however, that if the I-140 petition is filed at Service Center A, and then the I-485 is filed with Service Center B, the I-485 must be held until the I-140 is adjudicated. It is not clear if this means no action will be taken or if it simply cannot be approved until the I-140 petition is adjudicated. Roving employees are those who do not have fixed work sites, but can be moved from location to location, depending upon the needs of the employer. This is common with IT contractors. The safer approach would be to file the I-140 petition and the I-485 application in the same Service Center to avoid additional delays or the need to transfer the file from one Service Center to another.
In this instance when ever a consultant or "roving employee" moves to another city/state an LCA amendment is to be filed to accomodate USCIS rules. Whether this would have any adverse effect on LC/140/485 as far as refiling/ RFEs later is still not clear. I'll keep looking around for more credible info regarding the same. Pls point out of you guys know of any.
Thanks again in advance.
more...
vallabhu
01-31 04:57 PM
Will accept any suitable combination of Education , training or expeirence in lieu of stated requirements.
If you have more than three years of experience before applying for Labor you are fine else you might get a query and if you answer with education evaluation proving that your study and exp is equivalent to 4 year bachelor you will b fine.
If you have more than three years of experience before applying for Labor you are fine else you might get a query and if you answer with education evaluation proving that your study and exp is equivalent to 4 year bachelor you will b fine.
vishwak
02-01 01:40 PM
Congrats....Enjoy.
more...
vinnysuru
04-01 10:16 AM
Yes I was called for an in person interview and after the interview was told that the case is approvable. All the checks have been done and I just need a visa # to get the GC. I do not know how and why I was called for interview but I was the amonst the day 1 filer in July 2007. My application had reached on Jul 2 2007.
Here is the answer! Your filing date was July2, 07. If you filed with NSC, in Feb they had moved their processing dates to July 18th. So your case was assigned to officer for review and he called for interview!.
Then he made a decision: Case approvable pending visa availability!
Hope that helps!
Here is the answer! Your filing date was July2, 07. If you filed with NSC, in Feb they had moved their processing dates to July 18th. So your case was assigned to officer for review and he called for interview!.
Then he made a decision: Case approvable pending visa availability!
Hope that helps!
arnet
09-17 07:11 PM
disclaimer: i'm nt an immigration attroney, so please consult one for exact situation, as laws and procedures are constantly changing.
I'm NOT in medical field but writing based on what i heard..thought might be useful for you.....below is the most common way of coming to US for MBBS degree holders in india....
they can write USMLE exam (check www.usmle.org) and if they pass the step1, step2, step3 exams they can apply to US universities (atleast few of them based on the score) for MD residency programs which is usually four years course.
some say step1 and step2 is enough to apply but step3 gives more advantage but nt sure. BUT CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR EXAM AND DO RESEARCH ON THESE COURSE AND OTHER TOPICS TO GET EXACT DETAILS...
they can come here in H1 or J1 visa if they get into residency programs but check the procedures. but in general, after residency program, they need to work 3 yrs in underreserved areas (mostly 30-50 miles away from city, nt bad, oppurtunites are good there).
writing USMLE and getting into residency programs is really very very tough as more competition now and need very top score and their previous experience, degree/diplomas, research, etc helps.
if they both try and one get it through, then the one who get it into residency program can come into J1 or H1 visa and others can come in H4 visa (dependents-children and spouse).
they will be paid atleast 40-50k per yr during the residency (four yrs) and after that based on their work and experience, they will paid more atleast >100k per yr.
regd greencard, i think, they can apply only after 3yrs of working in under-reserved areas. some say they wont have to do labor because they get waiver because they worked 3 yrs in under-reserved areas but for this you need to consult an immigration lawyer.
but for all this, they have to first COLLECT all the details and CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR ALL THIS...they have to plan properly because while studying for USMLE or during this entire process, it is nt easier but they have to undergo a LOT of stress as they might think we are doing well in india why we moved here. but remember, it pays them in long run, it depends on each one how they look.
good luck....:)
Folks,
I need some guidance from experienced folks particularly those who hold MBBS degree from India and are already in US in medical profession.
My brother has received MBBS about 5 years go and he is doing his practice in rural area. His wife is also MBBS and also holds a diploma on OB/GYN area.
My question is if they want to immigrate to US what are various paths they can follow to get here?
Thanks in advance.
PAN123
I'm NOT in medical field but writing based on what i heard..thought might be useful for you.....below is the most common way of coming to US for MBBS degree holders in india....
they can write USMLE exam (check www.usmle.org) and if they pass the step1, step2, step3 exams they can apply to US universities (atleast few of them based on the score) for MD residency programs which is usually four years course.
some say step1 and step2 is enough to apply but step3 gives more advantage but nt sure. BUT CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR EXAM AND DO RESEARCH ON THESE COURSE AND OTHER TOPICS TO GET EXACT DETAILS...
they can come here in H1 or J1 visa if they get into residency programs but check the procedures. but in general, after residency program, they need to work 3 yrs in underreserved areas (mostly 30-50 miles away from city, nt bad, oppurtunites are good there).
writing USMLE and getting into residency programs is really very very tough as more competition now and need very top score and their previous experience, degree/diplomas, research, etc helps.
if they both try and one get it through, then the one who get it into residency program can come into J1 or H1 visa and others can come in H4 visa (dependents-children and spouse).
they will be paid atleast 40-50k per yr during the residency (four yrs) and after that based on their work and experience, they will paid more atleast >100k per yr.
regd greencard, i think, they can apply only after 3yrs of working in under-reserved areas. some say they wont have to do labor because they get waiver because they worked 3 yrs in under-reserved areas but for this you need to consult an immigration lawyer.
but for all this, they have to first COLLECT all the details and CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR ALL THIS...they have to plan properly because while studying for USMLE or during this entire process, it is nt easier but they have to undergo a LOT of stress as they might think we are doing well in india why we moved here. but remember, it pays them in long run, it depends on each one how they look.
good luck....:)
Folks,
I need some guidance from experienced folks particularly those who hold MBBS degree from India and are already in US in medical profession.
My brother has received MBBS about 5 years go and he is doing his practice in rural area. His wife is also MBBS and also holds a diploma on OB/GYN area.
My question is if they want to immigrate to US what are various paths they can follow to get here?
Thanks in advance.
PAN123
more...
aknynd
05-21 01:12 PM
how to start a new thread?
anindya1234
06-01 02:35 PM
But it does increase the GC quota which will substantially hasten the process
more...
franklin
07-20 02:30 PM
AP is a must. If you travel out of the country and your GC gets approved while you're away... your H1 becomes invalid and you cannot use it enter US. The only way to return then is AP.
Sure, but I have been told that you need both EAD and AP to be able to travel, not AP alone. Having H1B and AP is no point.
But, I've just re-read your answer - I understand about the H1B invalidated stuff now :) My point was more that AP and EAD seem to go hand in hand, I don't really understand why you wouldn't get both at the same time, especially if H1B has nearly expired.
Sure, but I have been told that you need both EAD and AP to be able to travel, not AP alone. Having H1B and AP is no point.
But, I've just re-read your answer - I understand about the H1B invalidated stuff now :) My point was more that AP and EAD seem to go hand in hand, I don't really understand why you wouldn't get both at the same time, especially if H1B has nearly expired.
black_logs
04-13 10:00 AM
But before you send it you make sure you do not want the labor substitution to stay. The AILA draft supports labor substitution.
Here you go, you can use this as a draft and keep the relevant parts of the comments or adjust accordingly : http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=8652851
Here you go, you can use this as a draft and keep the relevant parts of the comments or adjust accordingly : http://capwiz.com/aila2/issues/alert/?alertid=8652851
more...
waitnwatch
05-30 12:29 PM
This may already have been discussed but does everyone realize that the merit based system will remove backlogs by the backdoor. There will be no backlogs because you have to apply every year. And if by chance you reach the 6th year on H1-B and fail to get past the merit line for that year you have to leave. If this is not scary what is?
I would like to hear everyone's opinion on this.
I would like to hear everyone's opinion on this.
jsd123
05-08 06:06 PM
I always use SBI online. Very reliable, cost effective and best conversion rates !!
more...
Bobby Digital
October 22nd, 2005, 11:49 PM
I think the first shot needs more light. The second and third are great!! Nicely done!!
Siddhartht
07-26 03:14 AM
remit2India.com is the best among all . the feature guarantee fixed is the best feature they offer .
more...
akilaakka
07-13 01:54 PM
Check law and Nirenr Joshi,
Mine was paper filed by Attorney.
Checklaw: There is nothing in the law that states you need to have AP continously. If you dont anticpate to travel then you dont need AP.
However if you are in EAD then it is advicable to have AP's as no one can predict emergenices.
Thanks
senthil
Mine was paper filed by Attorney.
Checklaw: There is nothing in the law that states you need to have AP continously. If you dont anticpate to travel then you dont need AP.
However if you are in EAD then it is advicable to have AP's as no one can predict emergenices.
Thanks
senthil
walking_dude
11-25 11:52 AM
Dear Friend,
Immigration Voice (IV) [http://www.immigrationvoice.org] (http://www.immigrationvoice.org%5D), a grassroots organization working to solve the issues faced by employment-based immigrants, is planning a DC Rally during the first week of March 2009 to bring the issues faced by our community to the notice of US lawmakers.
Details of this initiative are provided here - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22519
I request you to join IV as a member and support this initiative by indicating your interest to participate in the DC Rally and Lobby Day (visiting lawmaker offices to seek their support)
As you might know our community is facing the following situation
1) 140,000 total numbers per year worldwide vs. 1 million applicants and their families waiting in the line. Some from 2001 and may be before that ! It's common sense that it will take at least 6 years to clear just the current backlog, if there were no per country quotas.
2) Per country quotas of 7% exacerbate the situation to applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, Mexico and Phillipines. Approximately just 10,000 visa numbers are available to India where as it's estimated that at least 44% of the applicants may be from India ( based on USCIS statistics of around 44% of H1bs being granted to India every year). As spouse and children are counted, considering 4 members per family, on an average only 2500 Indian applicants get Green cards in a year. As you can see the numbers are dismal.
Meaning, if you are from India, China, Mexico or Phillipines, you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to get your Green Card or more
3) Between USCIS and DOS (Department of State that runs the Visa bulletin) a number visas get wasted every year, worsening the already BAD situation. For instance between 1994 and now 218,000 GCs were wasted by USCIS. ]If the trend continues, it may well mean 15+ years for India/China/Mexico/Phillipines
Now I know the problems ! What's the solution?
1) Increase worldwide EB GC numbers to 290,000 per year or more
2) Eliminate country quotas
3) Exempt spouses and children ( dependents) from the GC quota (this will effectively double the quota)
4) Since USCIS inefficiency cannot be fixed by us, implement a 'Rollover' of unused visas to the next year(s)
5) Recapture the unused number of 218,000 visas . This may mean you'll get GC or at least see PDs jump forward by a few years (reducing your wait time tremendously)
6) Lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions.
I know the solution. But, pray, who'll bell the cat?
Fortunately for us, there is an organization that is working 100% exclusively for our cause. Immigration Voice ( http://www.immigrationvoice.org) a non-profit organization formed by EB immigrants to work for our cause. Starting with barely 200 members when it was formed in 2005, now it boasts a membership of 30,000 members and around 30 state chapters serving every US state with significant EB immigrant population.
Immigration Voice ( fondly called IV by it's members) lobbies the US Congress and USCIS to provide relief to us. They have hired a high-profile lobbying firm Patton Bloggs to do lobbying for our cause. In addition they also do grassroots lobbying at State chapter level with the local Congressmen.
What's Lobbying? Is it Legal for non-citizens ?
Lobbying or 'Advocacy' is the act of Petitoning the US Government to redress issues faced by any person living in the United States. It's a right guaranteed by US Constitution (First Amendment) to every person living in the United States, citizen or not.
Just like you can argue your own case in a court of law (if you choose to do it), you can also lobby or petition the US Government on your own. If you chose so, you can also hire a professional lobbying firm to do it for you, just like you can hire a lawyer to represent you in the court. Both are legally guaranteed rights. It's common sense that a professional does a better job - be it an experienced lawyer or a lobbying firm. Getting professional help greatly increases the chances of success.
Boy, It must be really COSTLY to hire those DC Lobbyists?
You are right. They are costly, but IV has been managing to keep the effort funded through sacrifices of it's Leadership (IV Core group), voluntary contributions from it's members, local fundraising campaigns by State chapters and selling IV-branded merchandise.
Contributions are what keep IV ticking and working for you.
I understand IV has been doing all this? Have they had any success so far? I don't want to invest in a campaign destined for failure !
IVs success record so far in the order of signifance to EB community
1) July Visa bulletin Reversal - Due to flip-flop by USCIS 350,000 applicants were denied the promised ability to file I-485 in July 2007. Chances are you might have been one of them ! We faced the grim prospect of losing thousands of dollars and countless hours of effort .
IV conducted 'Flower Campaign', i.e sending Flowers to USCIS director Emilio Ganzales to request redressal of this unfair decision (in the spirit of passive resistance movement of Mahatma Gandhi). It provided wide media coverage to the issue nationwide.
IV through it's California chapter, conducted the successful 'San Jose Rally' to highlight the isue to the Congressmen through the media. It also took an active role in petitioning San Jose Congresswoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren to help fix the issue. As it turns out Madame Lofgren, who also happens to be the Chairwoman of House sub-commitee on Immigration, was instrumental in forcing USCIS to rescind (revert) it's prior unjust decision ! An IV effort that paid rich dividends.
IV actively particpated in discussions with USCIS in deciding the modality of reversing the decision, and was the first group to announce it, even before USCIS and US Department of State !
IV Walked the Talk and helped the EB Community immensely
3) Lobbying USCIS for administrative reforms - IV participated in the FBI Namecheck backlog reduction meeting ( when it approached alarming figures with some waiting for 1-3 years), where USCIS announced increased FBI funding to expedite the checks and other process improvements to increase efficiency.
IV also successfully lobbied USCIS to increase validity of EAD/AP to 2 years from the previous validity period of 1 year. It has resulted in a saving of at least $1400 per year for every EB immigrant family that has filed I-485
IV continues to lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions
All right. Is there anything I can do to help IV?
Definitely ! IV is an organization of volunteers just like you and me. There are several ways you can help IV. For starters by participating in the very important upcoming DC Rally and the Lobby Day.
Just spread the word. Forward this E-mail to all your friends waiting for GCs.
1) Join : IV forums are a good source for finding answers to Immigration related matters and exchange information. IV also conducts pro-bono (FREE) lawyer conferences for members on a regular basis.
Website link - http://www.immigrationvoice.org.
Member registration - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/register.php
2) Contribute : As you have understood, Lobbying requires lot of funding. IV needs your support to keep the good work running.
You can contribute either one time or join as a monthly (recurring) contributor [preferred] here -
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=44
You can send ANY AMOUNT to IV as a contribution. All you need to do it create a PayPal account (if you don't have one), register a bank acount/Credit Card with PayPal (if not already done). Send money to IV using E-mail id - donations@immigrationvoice.org
3) Volunteer : If you are open to volunteering, you can join your local State Chapter of IV. State chapters conduct activities such -
a) Lawmaker meetings with Congressmen to discuss issues faced by EB immigrants
b) Fundraising at local Events
c) IV publicity through Flyers at public places & Events
d) Local media outreach to get media coverage for EB community
Benefits of joining : State Chapters provide more detailed coverage of IV updates issued from time to time than available at IV forums (restricted due to presence of anti-immigrants). They also provide updates early ( 2-3 days before stuff gets posted on IV)
How to join ? : Yahoo/Google groups for the State chapters are listed here.
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=52 ( Scroll to the bottom !)
Submit a request to join your State chapter with your - IV id, Full Name, E-mail, Telephone number (mandatory to filter anti-immigrants). State chapter leaders will call to verify and you are in !
You have covered it in detail. Yet, I have many unanswered questions! Whom should I contact to get more info?
Ask IV !
Call - (202) 386-6250
E-mail - info@immigrationvoice.org
Immigration Voice (IV) [http://www.immigrationvoice.org] (http://www.immigrationvoice.org%5D), a grassroots organization working to solve the issues faced by employment-based immigrants, is planning a DC Rally during the first week of March 2009 to bring the issues faced by our community to the notice of US lawmakers.
Details of this initiative are provided here - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22519
I request you to join IV as a member and support this initiative by indicating your interest to participate in the DC Rally and Lobby Day (visiting lawmaker offices to seek their support)
As you might know our community is facing the following situation
1) 140,000 total numbers per year worldwide vs. 1 million applicants and their families waiting in the line. Some from 2001 and may be before that ! It's common sense that it will take at least 6 years to clear just the current backlog, if there were no per country quotas.
2) Per country quotas of 7% exacerbate the situation to applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, Mexico and Phillipines. Approximately just 10,000 visa numbers are available to India where as it's estimated that at least 44% of the applicants may be from India ( based on USCIS statistics of around 44% of H1bs being granted to India every year). As spouse and children are counted, considering 4 members per family, on an average only 2500 Indian applicants get Green cards in a year. As you can see the numbers are dismal.
Meaning, if you are from India, China, Mexico or Phillipines, you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to get your Green Card or more
3) Between USCIS and DOS (Department of State that runs the Visa bulletin) a number visas get wasted every year, worsening the already BAD situation. For instance between 1994 and now 218,000 GCs were wasted by USCIS. ]If the trend continues, it may well mean 15+ years for India/China/Mexico/Phillipines
Now I know the problems ! What's the solution?
1) Increase worldwide EB GC numbers to 290,000 per year or more
2) Eliminate country quotas
3) Exempt spouses and children ( dependents) from the GC quota (this will effectively double the quota)
4) Since USCIS inefficiency cannot be fixed by us, implement a 'Rollover' of unused visas to the next year(s)
5) Recapture the unused number of 218,000 visas . This may mean you'll get GC or at least see PDs jump forward by a few years (reducing your wait time tremendously)
6) Lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions.
I know the solution. But, pray, who'll bell the cat?
Fortunately for us, there is an organization that is working 100% exclusively for our cause. Immigration Voice ( http://www.immigrationvoice.org) a non-profit organization formed by EB immigrants to work for our cause. Starting with barely 200 members when it was formed in 2005, now it boasts a membership of 30,000 members and around 30 state chapters serving every US state with significant EB immigrant population.
Immigration Voice ( fondly called IV by it's members) lobbies the US Congress and USCIS to provide relief to us. They have hired a high-profile lobbying firm Patton Bloggs to do lobbying for our cause. In addition they also do grassroots lobbying at State chapter level with the local Congressmen.
What's Lobbying? Is it Legal for non-citizens ?
Lobbying or 'Advocacy' is the act of Petitoning the US Government to redress issues faced by any person living in the United States. It's a right guaranteed by US Constitution (First Amendment) to every person living in the United States, citizen or not.
Just like you can argue your own case in a court of law (if you choose to do it), you can also lobby or petition the US Government on your own. If you chose so, you can also hire a professional lobbying firm to do it for you, just like you can hire a lawyer to represent you in the court. Both are legally guaranteed rights. It's common sense that a professional does a better job - be it an experienced lawyer or a lobbying firm. Getting professional help greatly increases the chances of success.
Boy, It must be really COSTLY to hire those DC Lobbyists?
You are right. They are costly, but IV has been managing to keep the effort funded through sacrifices of it's Leadership (IV Core group), voluntary contributions from it's members, local fundraising campaigns by State chapters and selling IV-branded merchandise.
Contributions are what keep IV ticking and working for you.
I understand IV has been doing all this? Have they had any success so far? I don't want to invest in a campaign destined for failure !
IVs success record so far in the order of signifance to EB community
1) July Visa bulletin Reversal - Due to flip-flop by USCIS 350,000 applicants were denied the promised ability to file I-485 in July 2007. Chances are you might have been one of them ! We faced the grim prospect of losing thousands of dollars and countless hours of effort .
IV conducted 'Flower Campaign', i.e sending Flowers to USCIS director Emilio Ganzales to request redressal of this unfair decision (in the spirit of passive resistance movement of Mahatma Gandhi). It provided wide media coverage to the issue nationwide.
IV through it's California chapter, conducted the successful 'San Jose Rally' to highlight the isue to the Congressmen through the media. It also took an active role in petitioning San Jose Congresswoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren to help fix the issue. As it turns out Madame Lofgren, who also happens to be the Chairwoman of House sub-commitee on Immigration, was instrumental in forcing USCIS to rescind (revert) it's prior unjust decision ! An IV effort that paid rich dividends.
IV actively particpated in discussions with USCIS in deciding the modality of reversing the decision, and was the first group to announce it, even before USCIS and US Department of State !
IV Walked the Talk and helped the EB Community immensely
3) Lobbying USCIS for administrative reforms - IV participated in the FBI Namecheck backlog reduction meeting ( when it approached alarming figures with some waiting for 1-3 years), where USCIS announced increased FBI funding to expedite the checks and other process improvements to increase efficiency.
IV also successfully lobbied USCIS to increase validity of EAD/AP to 2 years from the previous validity period of 1 year. It has resulted in a saving of at least $1400 per year for every EB immigrant family that has filed I-485
IV continues to lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions
All right. Is there anything I can do to help IV?
Definitely ! IV is an organization of volunteers just like you and me. There are several ways you can help IV. For starters by participating in the very important upcoming DC Rally and the Lobby Day.
Just spread the word. Forward this E-mail to all your friends waiting for GCs.
1) Join : IV forums are a good source for finding answers to Immigration related matters and exchange information. IV also conducts pro-bono (FREE) lawyer conferences for members on a regular basis.
Website link - http://www.immigrationvoice.org.
Member registration - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/register.php
2) Contribute : As you have understood, Lobbying requires lot of funding. IV needs your support to keep the good work running.
You can contribute either one time or join as a monthly (recurring) contributor [preferred] here -
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=44
You can send ANY AMOUNT to IV as a contribution. All you need to do it create a PayPal account (if you don't have one), register a bank acount/Credit Card with PayPal (if not already done). Send money to IV using E-mail id - donations@immigrationvoice.org
3) Volunteer : If you are open to volunteering, you can join your local State Chapter of IV. State chapters conduct activities such -
a) Lawmaker meetings with Congressmen to discuss issues faced by EB immigrants
b) Fundraising at local Events
c) IV publicity through Flyers at public places & Events
d) Local media outreach to get media coverage for EB community
Benefits of joining : State Chapters provide more detailed coverage of IV updates issued from time to time than available at IV forums (restricted due to presence of anti-immigrants). They also provide updates early ( 2-3 days before stuff gets posted on IV)
How to join ? : Yahoo/Google groups for the State chapters are listed here.
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=52 ( Scroll to the bottom !)
Submit a request to join your State chapter with your - IV id, Full Name, E-mail, Telephone number (mandatory to filter anti-immigrants). State chapter leaders will call to verify and you are in !
You have covered it in detail. Yet, I have many unanswered questions! Whom should I contact to get more info?
Ask IV !
Call - (202) 386-6250
E-mail - info@immigrationvoice.org
linuxra
07-23 03:00 PM
Are u from vision systems too...and do u know anybody got approved
Green_Print
08-01 01:10 PM
I would say some imagination fused with wishful thinking :D
Is it just your imagination or did you base this on any source.
Is it just your imagination or did you base this on any source.
estrela21
02-08 11:56 PM
Hello estrela,
Thanks for posting your message. It seems that you are talking about immigration to USA based on marriage. This may not be the right place for advise regarding that issue.
This forum is dedicated to the plight of high-skilled employment based immigrants.
Please consult an immigration attorney to look into this matter because your question is unclear and you mention court issues and other legal issues. We do not want to give you incorrect advise regarding such crucial issue.
Best of luck
how i do it to take my question out here?? i am sorry..i didn't mean to cause any problem..
Thanks for posting your message. It seems that you are talking about immigration to USA based on marriage. This may not be the right place for advise regarding that issue.
This forum is dedicated to the plight of high-skilled employment based immigrants.
Please consult an immigration attorney to look into this matter because your question is unclear and you mention court issues and other legal issues. We do not want to give you incorrect advise regarding such crucial issue.
Best of luck
how i do it to take my question out here?? i am sorry..i didn't mean to cause any problem..
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