funny
09-16 01:25 PM
Just cut short that Coffee/Tea/water break around the water cooler and make those calls today...
wallpaper The Very Hungry Caterpillar
akhilmahajan
11-15 02:34 PM
Is there any possibility of organizing a statewide charity drive sponsored by IV state chapters during the holiday season. This is the season of giving. Why not organize it through IV state chapters. Proceeds can be donated to charities as suggested by donors. We can target
employers, congressmen, senators, relatives, friends....even anti immigrants will donate.
Anybody with prior experience of such fund raising, please comment. We also need to come up with a slogan for this campaign (It may be better if the slogan in itself is not related to immigration) . IV will just do a soft sell in this propaganda. This will increase IV name & also push respective state members to be active in their state chapters.
Comments?
The whole idea is to get people understand and above all accept the problem.
If people can accept the problem and come out willing to find out a solution, then anything can be done.
This is a good time to meet eh lawmakers as they will be coming back for the thanksgiving break. we can highlight our issue.
We can also help in setting up law maker meetings. Folks please contact your state chapters. People are waiting top help you, but if you dont decide to help yourself, then no one can help you.
Think about it.
GO IV GO. TOGTHER WE CAN.
employers, congressmen, senators, relatives, friends....even anti immigrants will donate.
Anybody with prior experience of such fund raising, please comment. We also need to come up with a slogan for this campaign (It may be better if the slogan in itself is not related to immigration) . IV will just do a soft sell in this propaganda. This will increase IV name & also push respective state members to be active in their state chapters.
Comments?
The whole idea is to get people understand and above all accept the problem.
If people can accept the problem and come out willing to find out a solution, then anything can be done.
This is a good time to meet eh lawmakers as they will be coming back for the thanksgiving break. we can highlight our issue.
We can also help in setting up law maker meetings. Folks please contact your state chapters. People are waiting top help you, but if you dont decide to help yourself, then no one can help you.
Think about it.
GO IV GO. TOGTHER WE CAN.
anilsal
10-27 10:09 AM
as the chapter leaders can appraise you of what is possible, what is the view of leaders towards skilled immigration etc.
Rather than vent your frustration on the forums, direct them constructively to some IV activity.
Rather than vent your frustration on the forums, direct them constructively to some IV activity.
2011 The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Blog Feeds
02-01 08:30 AM
Summary
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
more...
anindya1234
06-01 02:20 PM
I am not sure but the SKIL bill may be one such initiative. Check out
http://www.nafsa.org/_/File/_/skilintroducedmay22006.pdf
http://www.nafsa.org/_/File/_/skilintroducedmay22006.pdf
petepatel
08-21 09:49 AM
Congrats
more...
seeking_GC
07-12 02:25 AM
Any idea on when the lawsuit actually gets to court?
2010 Very Hungry Caterpillar Spout
crystal
02-04 02:42 PM
You are right only if they dont want to use EAD after they come back. If they use EAD once they come back to USA, then they are back to adjustee status.
Well..you can fall back to H-4 if something goes wrong with 485. But if you are on AP you will have to leave the country.
Well..you can fall back to H-4 if something goes wrong with 485. But if you are on AP you will have to leave the country.
more...
masterji
10-20 01:19 AM
I think it is best to get your H1B stamped in India and also carry AP with you (if possible) as a back up. Stamping in home country is the BEST and SAFEST. I do not know why so many people get it stamped in Mexico and Canada. Previously, when you could still enter US from Canada with a refused visa,it made sense, but now if they reject your visa you need to fly to India!!!
But, once you enter using your AP, can you switch back to H1B or you have to use your EAD?
Not a lawyer.
But, once you enter using your AP, can you switch back to H1B or you have to use your EAD?
Not a lawyer.
hair Very hungry caterpillar gif
nabs501
07-19 07:40 PM
I work in CA, my I140 is approved from NSC.
But the lawyer sent the 485 to TSC.
I just went over the I-485 form and it clearly says to send the I-485 employment based applications to NSC
Employment-based adjustment of status.
File all employment-based adjustment of statusapplications at the following address:
USCIS Nebraska Service CenterP.O. Box 87485Lincoln, NE 68501-7485
This includes an employment-based Form I-485filed concurrently with a Form I-140, ImmigrantPetition for Alien Worker, and an employment-based Form I-485 filed based on a pending or anapproved Form I-140. To facilitate acceptance andprocessing of Form I-485 when Form I-140 hasalready been approved, submit a copy of the I-140approval notice. If Form I-140 is pending, submitcopies of the Form I-140 receipt notice and thepage of the DOL labor certification showing thepriority date (if labor certification is required) or acopy of the Form I-140 receipt notice (if laborcertification
Did my lawyer screw up?
But the lawyer sent the 485 to TSC.
I just went over the I-485 form and it clearly says to send the I-485 employment based applications to NSC
Employment-based adjustment of status.
File all employment-based adjustment of statusapplications at the following address:
USCIS Nebraska Service CenterP.O. Box 87485Lincoln, NE 68501-7485
This includes an employment-based Form I-485filed concurrently with a Form I-140, ImmigrantPetition for Alien Worker, and an employment-based Form I-485 filed based on a pending or anapproved Form I-140. To facilitate acceptance andprocessing of Form I-485 when Form I-140 hasalready been approved, submit a copy of the I-140approval notice. If Form I-140 is pending, submitcopies of the Form I-140 receipt notice and thepage of the DOL labor certification showing thepriority date (if labor certification is required) or acopy of the Form I-140 receipt notice (if laborcertification
Did my lawyer screw up?
more...
varshadas
02-17 12:43 AM
A total of 39 people were in the conference call tonight including the core members(2) and the NJ state chapter members(2). I think this was really really good. Let's continue our efforts with this energy and momentum. Thank you everyone for attending the call tonight.
I just want to go over what we discussed in the call in brief:
Goals of the state chapters
Increasing the membership
Meeting the law makers
Methods to increase membership
Take a print out of the flyer made by NJ state chapter. (Vineet, can you out this under Resources. I am unable to upload)
Distribute the flyers in the local train stations where traffic is maximum.
Distribute the flyers in the local temples.
Try to participate in local community events.
Try to get onto the local Indian/Chinese radio channels.
Try to connect with people at work and school.
Try to get stories in the local newspaper.
Any other methods can be explored by the individual state chapters.
Meet the law makers
Go to www.immigrationvoice.org
Click on Resources on the left
Click on Resources for "Meet Your Local Maker"
There are a number of things here that would help you in this.
People from the local constituency should set up an appointment with the
Congressmen. Congressmen do not talk to people outside their constituency. Once the appointment is set, not more than 3 people should go to meet the
Congressmen. Out of those 3 people, one of the persons should be the one who set up the appointment. Also, schedule the appointment with them, the way they want. For example, if they want a letter, send them a letter, if they want fax, send them fax.
For setting up the appointment, we used the following letter format provided by the core team:
************************************************** ******
Date: 01/24/2007
Dear Congressman XXXX,
I am a concerned constituent writing to you on behalf of ImmigrationVoice, a
non profit organization working to get the problems of Employment based Legal Immigration to the attention of lawmakers. I would like to request for a
meeting to discuss the problems that the legal high skilled immigrant community is facing. Employment Based Legal immigration is currently facing some of the worst waiting periods in the recent past. Applicants have to wait to finish their final phase of immigration for as many as 6-7 years because of the lack of employment based green card numbers which is also called Green Card Retrogression. The reasons for these are certain bureaucratic delays, flawed practices and procedures and arcane laws which are not in tune with reality at all.
Please also note that there are more than 350,000 Labor applications pending at the Labor department to be processed. Some of them are as old as from year 2000. These applicants are waiting for certification from the US Department of Labor as high-skilled workers who are not displacing existing American workers in the market.
Subsequent to rigorous but unfruitful recruitment efforts by our employers and other processing stages by USCIS, we still have to face prolonged wait times. It is also to be noted that most of us are already working in the U.S. for the past 5-6 years and are contributing to the U.S. economy in the form of taxes etc - some of which we do not derive any benefit from. This also hurts the businesses in your constituency like my employer because they have to wait indefinitely to hire talented applicants on a permanent basis. This is a very important issue and will determine whether the United States of America remains competitive in the fields of science and technology and retains the best talent from around the world.
ImmigrationVoice is a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers who are
suffering due to these delays and wish to bring this important issue in front
of their lawmakers. Hence I would request an appointment so that I can explain these problems and ask for support for some of the legislative measures that have been introduced to alleviate these problems.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(Place holder for your signature)
Your name:
Your address:
Your email:
************************************************** ******
Once the appointment is set up, take 3 or 4 copies of the presentation and the brochure neatly clipped in a file. You will find these documents under the
heading called Materials for the meeting in Resources->Meet Your Local Maker.
If possible, take your laptop for the presentation.
Begin by introducing yourself and that you are a member of IV which is a
national non-profit organization that is working towards providing relief to
skilled legal immigrants and that there is no other organization like
immigration voice in the USA.
Talk about the good things that the Congressman has done for the community (Research in advance).
More information can be found under headings During The Meeting and Post Meeting under Meeting your Local Maker->Resources.
If anyone has any questions, please contact IV or you can contact me too at
varshadas@hotmail.com.
I just want to go over what we discussed in the call in brief:
Goals of the state chapters
Increasing the membership
Meeting the law makers
Methods to increase membership
Take a print out of the flyer made by NJ state chapter. (Vineet, can you out this under Resources. I am unable to upload)
Distribute the flyers in the local train stations where traffic is maximum.
Distribute the flyers in the local temples.
Try to participate in local community events.
Try to get onto the local Indian/Chinese radio channels.
Try to connect with people at work and school.
Try to get stories in the local newspaper.
Any other methods can be explored by the individual state chapters.
Meet the law makers
Go to www.immigrationvoice.org
Click on Resources on the left
Click on Resources for "Meet Your Local Maker"
There are a number of things here that would help you in this.
People from the local constituency should set up an appointment with the
Congressmen. Congressmen do not talk to people outside their constituency. Once the appointment is set, not more than 3 people should go to meet the
Congressmen. Out of those 3 people, one of the persons should be the one who set up the appointment. Also, schedule the appointment with them, the way they want. For example, if they want a letter, send them a letter, if they want fax, send them fax.
For setting up the appointment, we used the following letter format provided by the core team:
************************************************** ******
Date: 01/24/2007
Dear Congressman XXXX,
I am a concerned constituent writing to you on behalf of ImmigrationVoice, a
non profit organization working to get the problems of Employment based Legal Immigration to the attention of lawmakers. I would like to request for a
meeting to discuss the problems that the legal high skilled immigrant community is facing. Employment Based Legal immigration is currently facing some of the worst waiting periods in the recent past. Applicants have to wait to finish their final phase of immigration for as many as 6-7 years because of the lack of employment based green card numbers which is also called Green Card Retrogression. The reasons for these are certain bureaucratic delays, flawed practices and procedures and arcane laws which are not in tune with reality at all.
Please also note that there are more than 350,000 Labor applications pending at the Labor department to be processed. Some of them are as old as from year 2000. These applicants are waiting for certification from the US Department of Labor as high-skilled workers who are not displacing existing American workers in the market.
Subsequent to rigorous but unfruitful recruitment efforts by our employers and other processing stages by USCIS, we still have to face prolonged wait times. It is also to be noted that most of us are already working in the U.S. for the past 5-6 years and are contributing to the U.S. economy in the form of taxes etc - some of which we do not derive any benefit from. This also hurts the businesses in your constituency like my employer because they have to wait indefinitely to hire talented applicants on a permanent basis. This is a very important issue and will determine whether the United States of America remains competitive in the fields of science and technology and retains the best talent from around the world.
ImmigrationVoice is a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers who are
suffering due to these delays and wish to bring this important issue in front
of their lawmakers. Hence I would request an appointment so that I can explain these problems and ask for support for some of the legislative measures that have been introduced to alleviate these problems.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
(Place holder for your signature)
Your name:
Your address:
Your email:
************************************************** ******
Once the appointment is set up, take 3 or 4 copies of the presentation and the brochure neatly clipped in a file. You will find these documents under the
heading called Materials for the meeting in Resources->Meet Your Local Maker.
If possible, take your laptop for the presentation.
Begin by introducing yourself and that you are a member of IV which is a
national non-profit organization that is working towards providing relief to
skilled legal immigrants and that there is no other organization like
immigration voice in the USA.
Talk about the good things that the Congressman has done for the community (Research in advance).
More information can be found under headings During The Meeting and Post Meeting under Meeting your Local Maker->Resources.
If anyone has any questions, please contact IV or you can contact me too at
varshadas@hotmail.com.
hot Very Hungry Caterpillar,
mmrao2007
07-30 03:14 PM
I did not understand your answer.
How come your 4 year old son apply in EB2 category and sponsor the parents. I know the application is for future employment. But this one is stretching too far? :)
With the way things are going we never know :)
How come your 4 year old son apply in EB2 category and sponsor the parents. I know the application is for future employment. But this one is stretching too far? :)
With the way things are going we never know :)
more...
house The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Bolt
04-23 11:48 AM
Hi Guys,
I got the good news to share every one. got the approval . its wonderful
Hi ,
congrats! did you get an approval i.e 797 with i-94 or without it ? am in the same situation, my previous h1b was denied on mar10th 2009 (which was filed on march 24th 2008). i had a transfer to another company thru premium processing on 30th of march 2009 and got approval on april 21st.
Please do reply.
I got the good news to share every one. got the approval . its wonderful
Hi ,
congrats! did you get an approval i.e 797 with i-94 or without it ? am in the same situation, my previous h1b was denied on mar10th 2009 (which was filed on march 24th 2008). i had a transfer to another company thru premium processing on 30th of march 2009 and got approval on april 21st.
Please do reply.
tattoo Very hungry caterpillar
Pawankalyan
11-16 12:21 PM
Don't worry about processing dates..
In a brief all centers will move 1 month forward and NSB with move 15 day forward....
The good thing regarding the processing date is we don't have retrogation..
In a brief all centers will move 1 month forward and NSB with move 15 day forward....
The good thing regarding the processing date is we don't have retrogation..
more...
pictures Very Hungry Caterpillar:
Ramba
01-23 06:51 PM
Sorry for little confusion.
What I mean was,
- I filed I-485 for me and my wife
- then after 180 days I switched to a new company with H1B transfer.
- So, I am still in H1B status.
- But my wife (secondary applicant) is using EAD based on I-485 and working.
Which means we used AC21 for portability of our I-140 and I-485 cases.
Now, we are planning to travel home to India. My wife need to use AP and I will still be using H1B visa.
So, my question was, whether there will be issue at Port of Entry when primary applicant(which is me) is still in H1B visa with pending I-485 and my wife is using EAD with AP?
Normally if both have independent valid travel document, you are fine. It does not make any difference if primary use H1B and spouse use AP, but it may confuse the IO at POE, if they ask lot of questions, (who is your employer, Are you working for GC sponsering employer etc..)
IO at POE may not know all the rules regarding AC21/485/AP/H1 etc.. If you are entering in H1, the natural tendency that your spose will enter in H4. If you answer properly, you are fine..
What I mean was,
- I filed I-485 for me and my wife
- then after 180 days I switched to a new company with H1B transfer.
- So, I am still in H1B status.
- But my wife (secondary applicant) is using EAD based on I-485 and working.
Which means we used AC21 for portability of our I-140 and I-485 cases.
Now, we are planning to travel home to India. My wife need to use AP and I will still be using H1B visa.
So, my question was, whether there will be issue at Port of Entry when primary applicant(which is me) is still in H1B visa with pending I-485 and my wife is using EAD with AP?
Normally if both have independent valid travel document, you are fine. It does not make any difference if primary use H1B and spouse use AP, but it may confuse the IO at POE, if they ask lot of questions, (who is your employer, Are you working for GC sponsering employer etc..)
IO at POE may not know all the rules regarding AC21/485/AP/H1 etc.. If you are entering in H1, the natural tendency that your spose will enter in H4. If you answer properly, you are fine..
dresses The Very Hungry Caterpillar
camarasa
07-09 01:45 PM
Buddy,
Why you are so angry??. I know more than you about immigration and all the rules. you try to understand the English properly and the meaning. I hope you are from a very remote place in India. So for you to understand better, Here is the meanign fo my message.
GUYS, YOUR PRIORITY DATE IS 2006 and why you are asking for the premium processing when many of your friends are still waiting to file their I 140 or I 485.
Don't try to put harsh words in public forums. You will get them back as a Boomerang...... Understand?:mad:
Dude - that doesn't make any sense. Just because there are people who have been waiting since 1998 (for whatever reason) doesn't mean that others should make their process as slow as possible so they can also wait 9 years with their "friends". Why would anyone want to do that?
Why you are so angry??. I know more than you about immigration and all the rules. you try to understand the English properly and the meaning. I hope you are from a very remote place in India. So for you to understand better, Here is the meanign fo my message.
GUYS, YOUR PRIORITY DATE IS 2006 and why you are asking for the premium processing when many of your friends are still waiting to file their I 140 or I 485.
Don't try to put harsh words in public forums. You will get them back as a Boomerang...... Understand?:mad:
Dude - that doesn't make any sense. Just because there are people who have been waiting since 1998 (for whatever reason) doesn't mean that others should make their process as slow as possible so they can also wait 9 years with their "friends". Why would anyone want to do that?
more...
makeup Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake
thescadaman
08-10 03:52 PM
I joined IV in the 3rd week of July 2007 when I was randomly searching for information. I did my first one time contribution right on the day the great news was released on 17th July. I have started my $50 monthly starting August 2007.
I would like to mention, what made me believe that IV Core was doing a great job and that it was worth contributing was that IV Core took a lot of risk(credibility) and posted critical news well before it came on any other website. It was like; they had all the scoop before it hit mainstream lawyers or AILA websites sometimes even before it came on USCIS official website (FAQ 3)!
This shows that IV Core has got a lot stronger and they indeed are in close contact with USCIS and that with the enough funds and enough support they will surely make things happen!
Way to go IV Core!
I would like to mention, what made me believe that IV Core was doing a great job and that it was worth contributing was that IV Core took a lot of risk(credibility) and posted critical news well before it came on any other website. It was like; they had all the scoop before it hit mainstream lawyers or AILA websites sometimes even before it came on USCIS official website (FAQ 3)!
This shows that IV Core has got a lot stronger and they indeed are in close contact with USCIS and that with the enough funds and enough support they will surely make things happen!
Way to go IV Core!
girlfriend very hungry caterpillar
franklin
10-05 12:52 AM
You know... a few months ago, I would have spouted out the standard:-
"Green cards are technically issued on a FIFO based from Receipt Date, assuming your Priority Date is current at time of final adjudication"
Now I know from 1st hand experience that is a load of rubbish.
So, like other posters have mentioned "who knows"
"Green cards are technically issued on a FIFO based from Receipt Date, assuming your Priority Date is current at time of final adjudication"
Now I know from 1st hand experience that is a load of rubbish.
So, like other posters have mentioned "who knows"
hairstyles The Very Hungry Caterpillar
jr8rdt
11-12 05:32 PM
1) To invoke ac21 do you have to have EAD and ...
a) I-140 approved and 485 pending 180 days or more OR
b) I-140 pending and 485 pending 180 days or more
2)Assuming I-140 is approved and 485 has been pending for more than 180 days, has valid EAD and the person invokes ac21. What about if employer revoke the I-140 (which has been approved)...will it has effect on the GC app? or once I-140 is approved that's it. you are free...
Thanks
a) I-140 approved and 485 pending 180 days or more OR
b) I-140 pending and 485 pending 180 days or more
2)Assuming I-140 is approved and 485 has been pending for more than 180 days, has valid EAD and the person invokes ac21. What about if employer revoke the I-140 (which has been approved)...will it has effect on the GC app? or once I-140 is approved that's it. you are free...
Thanks
fittan
03-16 06:27 PM
GCPagla,
Job title doesn't have to be the same. The requirement is "same or similar" job. I am in the IT networking...network admin, system admin, network engineer, system engineer, IT consultant, network consultant are all the same. The key is that the job description is similar...there are no guidelines basically its all common sense. For you to go from programmer analyst to development is perfectly ok.
I've not done AC21 before. But if I do, here's what I'll do...Compare your labor description with the new job requirements. They should be similar. Prepare a AC21 letter that list the common and general requirements and send it to the USCIS. They are no official forms and some people even say that this letter is not necessary. However, I think it is important to cover your behind. Make sure this letter is certified, registered so that if anything happens you can prove that you did inform them and ported your I-140 to the new company.
Fittan
Job title doesn't have to be the same. The requirement is "same or similar" job. I am in the IT networking...network admin, system admin, network engineer, system engineer, IT consultant, network consultant are all the same. The key is that the job description is similar...there are no guidelines basically its all common sense. For you to go from programmer analyst to development is perfectly ok.
I've not done AC21 before. But if I do, here's what I'll do...Compare your labor description with the new job requirements. They should be similar. Prepare a AC21 letter that list the common and general requirements and send it to the USCIS. They are no official forms and some people even say that this letter is not necessary. However, I think it is important to cover your behind. Make sure this letter is certified, registered so that if anything happens you can prove that you did inform them and ported your I-140 to the new company.
Fittan
mundram
04-20 12:03 PM
Recently, I was in the similar situation but with H4 dependents.
Here was the response from my lawyer:
"the I-94 card should reflect that date. What I would like them to do is go to their local port of entry (probably airport), to have the I-94 cards corrected. It does not need to be the same airport that they entered through."
The airport authorities easily updated the "until" date. However, they told me that the system recognizes the exit date based on the visa validity date. But safe to get it updated from your local airport.
Here was the response from my lawyer:
"the I-94 card should reflect that date. What I would like them to do is go to their local port of entry (probably airport), to have the I-94 cards corrected. It does not need to be the same airport that they entered through."
The airport authorities easily updated the "until" date. However, they told me that the system recognizes the exit date based on the visa validity date. But safe to get it updated from your local airport.
No comments:
Post a Comment