desitechie
10-05 01:40 PM
I am not talking about calling cards. ALLVOI is also a VOIP service like Vonage and has the same deal on free US calls etc. However, their India pkg is much better IMO.
Hows ALLVOI quality compared to Vonage for India calls?
Hows their customer service?
I know Vonage's CS is bad.
Thanks
Hows ALLVOI quality compared to Vonage for India calls?
Hows their customer service?
I know Vonage's CS is bad.
Thanks
wallpaper Cute Puppies Pictures
Libra
06-16 12:08 PM
What is I-94# is it the number on I-94 no. attached 797 form or arrival i-94 card(white) no? And what is nonimmigrant visa number? guys please help am filling 485 form.
nrk
08-17 02:55 PM
Yeah little excited as my PD is current from next month. want to wish the good luck for the people who just got freedom.
Nrk,
Looks like you were on a roll congratulating a lot of folks :D
Thanks bud
Cheer
Nrk,
Looks like you were on a roll congratulating a lot of folks :D
Thanks bud
Cheer
2011 Golden Retriever puppy:
Googler
10-22 01:19 PM
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=61
Update and reference material on namechecks
Nice job summarizing what we know.
Update and reference material on namechecks
Nice job summarizing what we know.
more...
SunnySurya
08-07 01:29 PM
Thats exactly what we need to figure out... I am working on it.
We have no idea how many are legally porting from EB3 to EB2. I am sure many are trying but the data is not available. I dont know how you will move forward without such information.
(Disclaimer: i am EB3 with US masters and no desire of porting to EB2)
We have no idea how many are legally porting from EB3 to EB2. I am sure many are trying but the data is not available. I dont know how you will move forward without such information.
(Disclaimer: i am EB3 with US masters and no desire of porting to EB2)
needhelp!
01-13 01:09 AM
wGpSCdeEkB4
more...
pak
07-12 09:05 AM
Please visit
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/mailapp/
enter your address to find the senetor of your area.
Fill up your contact info.
Paste the templet:
I am a highly-skilled professional who entered this country legally. I've
been waiting for my US permanent resident visa -also known as "Green Card"
for the past several years along with 500,000 other educated, highly
skilled employment based (EB) immigrants. Many of us have been waiting for
our turn to get Green Cards for 5-10 years while consistently abiding by
all the laws of this country. Such long delays are due to tortuous and
confusing paper work, backlogs due to various quotas and processing delays
at US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), other allied state and
federal agencies.
Several categories of EB immigrant visa (Green Card) numbers were
unavailable ("retrogressed") since the fall of 2005. For the past several
decades, the US Department of State (DOS) has been publishing advisories
known as visa bulletins once a month to announce the availability of
immigrant visa numbers. On June 13, 2007, after a gap of nearly two years,
DOS announced that all EB visa numbers would be "current" for the month of
July. This meant, irrespective of our "priority date" (date assigned to us
for our turn in the line for Green Cards), all of us were made eligible to
apply for some interim immigration benefits. This "priority date" refers
to the date when our labor certification (documentation verifying no US
citizen worker was available for a given job) had been filed.
Please note that 6/13 DOS announcement would not have led to immediate
green card for most of us; but at least it would have ensured us interim
benefits such as the right to travel and right to work for any employer-
this was still a welcome change. Especially, for dependent spouses who are
otherwise unable to work, this would have translated into right to travel
and work without restriction and thus channel their energies positively.
Several dependent spouses are also highly-skilled.
Tens of thousands of applicants spent thousands of dollars in legal fees,
immigration medical exams & vaccinations & getting various supporting
documents ready to file our immigrant petitions to USCIS, at times
inconveniencing our old parents in our home countries as well. It has been
an agonizing two weeks for us. Some of us to had to fly in our spouses
from our home countries or have had to cut short business trips. Hundreds
of millions of dollars were spent by thousands of immigrants in
preparation of their application. To our shock and dismay, on the morning
of July 2nd 2007, USCIS announced that EB visa numbers were not available
and all petitions filed in July would be rejected.
For the legal skilled immigrants this has been a rather traumatizing and
disheartening experience. These are people that are in the country
legally, paid taxes and followed all the rules.
We sincerely seek immediate congressional/ legislative remedial measures
which would (1)Reduce the enormous backlogs of green card petitions of
legal skilled immigrants (2)Ensure and request USCIS not to reject our
immigrant visa petitions filed in July and provide us interim benefits of
a pending immigrant visa petition. We make this sincere request with the
hope that people who played by the rules will be rewarded.
Sincerely,
XX
You will receive confirmation from senetor's office.
Thanks
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/mailapp/
enter your address to find the senetor of your area.
Fill up your contact info.
Paste the templet:
I am a highly-skilled professional who entered this country legally. I've
been waiting for my US permanent resident visa -also known as "Green Card"
for the past several years along with 500,000 other educated, highly
skilled employment based (EB) immigrants. Many of us have been waiting for
our turn to get Green Cards for 5-10 years while consistently abiding by
all the laws of this country. Such long delays are due to tortuous and
confusing paper work, backlogs due to various quotas and processing delays
at US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), other allied state and
federal agencies.
Several categories of EB immigrant visa (Green Card) numbers were
unavailable ("retrogressed") since the fall of 2005. For the past several
decades, the US Department of State (DOS) has been publishing advisories
known as visa bulletins once a month to announce the availability of
immigrant visa numbers. On June 13, 2007, after a gap of nearly two years,
DOS announced that all EB visa numbers would be "current" for the month of
July. This meant, irrespective of our "priority date" (date assigned to us
for our turn in the line for Green Cards), all of us were made eligible to
apply for some interim immigration benefits. This "priority date" refers
to the date when our labor certification (documentation verifying no US
citizen worker was available for a given job) had been filed.
Please note that 6/13 DOS announcement would not have led to immediate
green card for most of us; but at least it would have ensured us interim
benefits such as the right to travel and right to work for any employer-
this was still a welcome change. Especially, for dependent spouses who are
otherwise unable to work, this would have translated into right to travel
and work without restriction and thus channel their energies positively.
Several dependent spouses are also highly-skilled.
Tens of thousands of applicants spent thousands of dollars in legal fees,
immigration medical exams & vaccinations & getting various supporting
documents ready to file our immigrant petitions to USCIS, at times
inconveniencing our old parents in our home countries as well. It has been
an agonizing two weeks for us. Some of us to had to fly in our spouses
from our home countries or have had to cut short business trips. Hundreds
of millions of dollars were spent by thousands of immigrants in
preparation of their application. To our shock and dismay, on the morning
of July 2nd 2007, USCIS announced that EB visa numbers were not available
and all petitions filed in July would be rejected.
For the legal skilled immigrants this has been a rather traumatizing and
disheartening experience. These are people that are in the country
legally, paid taxes and followed all the rules.
We sincerely seek immediate congressional/ legislative remedial measures
which would (1)Reduce the enormous backlogs of green card petitions of
legal skilled immigrants (2)Ensure and request USCIS not to reject our
immigrant visa petitions filed in July and provide us interim benefits of
a pending immigrant visa petition. We make this sincere request with the
hope that people who played by the rules will be rewarded.
Sincerely,
XX
You will receive confirmation from senetor's office.
Thanks
2010 makeup cute-golden-retriever
pappu
01-05 11:12 AM
Why are we not on Facebook? Or are we there??
Ok We have a group called 'Immigration Voice' on Facebook now started by IV core.
Could you now help us increase the publicity of IV on facebook among your friends so that we get more participation on IV site
Ok We have a group called 'Immigration Voice' on Facebook now started by IV core.
Could you now help us increase the publicity of IV on facebook among your friends so that we get more participation on IV site
more...
SunJoshi
01-01 09:00 AM
Guys,
Any idea when the new proposals will be implemented if they become law :confused: Do we have to wait until Oct for these new proposals to take effect.
--MC
mchudi,
These are very tough and partisian bills (immigration bills). This also being an election year, some lawmakers will try to puch their own agenda. Don't expect a featherbed solution. This will be a dogfight.
Any idea when the new proposals will be implemented if they become law :confused: Do we have to wait until Oct for these new proposals to take effect.
--MC
mchudi,
These are very tough and partisian bills (immigration bills). This also being an election year, some lawmakers will try to puch their own agenda. Don't expect a featherbed solution. This will be a dogfight.
hair Well, AdoptPuppiesForSale.com
alias
08-07 12:38 PM
If you loose your job anytime during the GC process and cannot find another job within 15 days you must leave the country. Since you are fired from the job you are least desired, you are an unproductive hole. This should be tied along with EB2/EB3 category determination so you realy value the right people.
I guess Mr. Sunshine will be out then, he said he is shit scared that he is going to loose his job...Dude, I say go home, NOW, aren't you ashamed about your sorry job....
I guess Mr. Sunshine will be out then, he said he is shit scared that he is going to loose his job...Dude, I say go home, NOW, aren't you ashamed about your sorry job....
more...
gk_2000
04-01 01:20 PM
Thanks Admin.Most people know here that reds and greens have much to do with admins here.
Yes, because there was no other way I could rack up 2300 minus points. I find this game as silly as it is irritating, but letting them know it doesn't work with me anymore. Yeh unka bachpana ka nishana hei.. They're just being kiddish
Yes, because there was no other way I could rack up 2300 minus points. I find this game as silly as it is irritating, but letting them know it doesn't work with me anymore. Yeh unka bachpana ka nishana hei.. They're just being kiddish
hot Golden Retriever Puppy iPhone
p_aluri
06-25 08:07 PM
I need some help from you guys..
What would be the answer for :
Were you inspected by Immigration officer under part # 3 on I-485 application?
I really appreciate your input..
Thanks,
My spouse and I live in different cities - each will file their I-485/EAD/AP. She as dependent.
What should the spouse write for her address? Her current address, or mine?
Please advise.
Thanks
Ams
What would be the answer for :
Were you inspected by Immigration officer under part # 3 on I-485 application?
I really appreciate your input..
Thanks,
My spouse and I live in different cities - each will file their I-485/EAD/AP. She as dependent.
What should the spouse write for her address? Her current address, or mine?
Please advise.
Thanks
Ams
more...
house Cute Golden Retriever puppies
bazuka6
10-29 11:21 PM
From IV: IV commends the initiative taken by it's members nk2006, pd_recpaturing, ItsNotfunny and others. As these members have observed, we all know that any one who has filed for AOS/I-485 can potentially be hit with this issue, especially in the current job market situations. If you believe in the old adage prevention is better than cure, this is an action item you have to subscribe to. It will be only a matter of time the number of such denials is going to spike.
In recent weeks there has been a spate of I485 denials by USCIS in the AC21 cases. In most of these cases, the underlying I-140 has been revoked by previous employer. But AC21 regulations and related memo�s require that I485�s should not be denied based on that � provided I485 has been pending for more than 180 days and the applicant has changed to a new job that is same or similar. USCIS has been rejecting cases without even issuing a NOID � again required by AC21 regulations. So USCIS is not following AC21 regulations and related field memo�s for whatever the reasons.
Obviously this will have a very bad impact on us � in addition to tremendous amount of stress it can have very bad economic implications including loss of job. In the current economic conditions we cannot afford to lose the job change flexibility provided by AC21 regulations. IV has started a campaign to fight this.
After a brief campaign to write to Ombudsman, it has been decided to intensify this campaign and write to various officials in USCIS hierarchy. IV core members have been actively involved in coming up with a strategy and are actively supporting this effort. By sending large number of letters we can draw their attention to this issue and resolve as quickly as possible. There are other strategies that are being discussed and will be underway soon to tackle this issue. This is the first and the most important step up on which other steps depend.
I request all the members to start sending the following 4 letters. For your convenience the letters have been completely written including addresses to be sent � all you have to do is download following 4 google documents � add the date, your name and address � and send it to the address provided on each letter.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_1d3mzhr6c
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_2fp3nrhvb
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_3d8h2x7dr
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_4fxnvq9tw
To reiterate: You have to send 4 letters � these letters can be downloaded at the above URL�s. Edit the document to add current date, name, address etc. and mail it (regular mail). After doing that, please update the poll so we know how many letters are being sent.
To get more background on this issue and see what has been done so far, please see these two threads: http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22052;
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21716
To achieve positive results we need to send these letters in large numbers - please send them today and let everyone else be aware of this effort. Thank you.
Request to core/web site admin: can you please add a link to this thread on the IV main page to get better coverage to this campaign - thanks.
Please change Dear Madam to Dear Ms. Velarde....
Madam can be taken out of context (esp in Washington ;) )
I mailed all 4 after changes
In recent weeks there has been a spate of I485 denials by USCIS in the AC21 cases. In most of these cases, the underlying I-140 has been revoked by previous employer. But AC21 regulations and related memo�s require that I485�s should not be denied based on that � provided I485 has been pending for more than 180 days and the applicant has changed to a new job that is same or similar. USCIS has been rejecting cases without even issuing a NOID � again required by AC21 regulations. So USCIS is not following AC21 regulations and related field memo�s for whatever the reasons.
Obviously this will have a very bad impact on us � in addition to tremendous amount of stress it can have very bad economic implications including loss of job. In the current economic conditions we cannot afford to lose the job change flexibility provided by AC21 regulations. IV has started a campaign to fight this.
After a brief campaign to write to Ombudsman, it has been decided to intensify this campaign and write to various officials in USCIS hierarchy. IV core members have been actively involved in coming up with a strategy and are actively supporting this effort. By sending large number of letters we can draw their attention to this issue and resolve as quickly as possible. There are other strategies that are being discussed and will be underway soon to tackle this issue. This is the first and the most important step up on which other steps depend.
I request all the members to start sending the following 4 letters. For your convenience the letters have been completely written including addresses to be sent � all you have to do is download following 4 google documents � add the date, your name and address � and send it to the address provided on each letter.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_1d3mzhr6c
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_2fp3nrhvb
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_3d8h2x7dr
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcqssdt7_4fxnvq9tw
To reiterate: You have to send 4 letters � these letters can be downloaded at the above URL�s. Edit the document to add current date, name, address etc. and mail it (regular mail). After doing that, please update the poll so we know how many letters are being sent.
To get more background on this issue and see what has been done so far, please see these two threads: http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22052;
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21716
To achieve positive results we need to send these letters in large numbers - please send them today and let everyone else be aware of this effort. Thank you.
Request to core/web site admin: can you please add a link to this thread on the IV main page to get better coverage to this campaign - thanks.
Please change Dear Madam to Dear Ms. Velarde....
Madam can be taken out of context (esp in Washington ;) )
I mailed all 4 after changes
tattoo Sweet dachshund puppy
Lisap
09-12 05:30 PM
Call (in the morning) 1-800-375-5283 and follow this sequence: 1,2,2,6,1,1,1,3,4.
If the Immigration Officer is kind enough you can ask if the Name Check is cleared. If he/she says No, you can ask him/her the date it was sent to the FBI.
I called today and they couldnt tell me anything at the 800 number they just said that they would contact me if they needed any information.... guess I just sit tight for now!
If the Immigration Officer is kind enough you can ask if the Name Check is cleared. If he/she says No, you can ask him/her the date it was sent to the FBI.
I called today and they couldnt tell me anything at the 800 number they just said that they would contact me if they needed any information.... guess I just sit tight for now!
more...
pictures stock photo : Cute Golden
Green_Print
07-11 03:00 AM
I saw posts of several members extremely skeptical of the whole idea, even went on calling it stupid, crazy and useless. Some made mockery suggesting sending dead fish etc. I don't see any more posts from them.
Keeping mum now are we, eh?:rolleyes:
Keeping mum now are we, eh?:rolleyes:
dresses Golden Retriever Puppy in
santa123
06-14 05:46 PM
The OP is great. He has created a new id to discuss L1 fraud. Will he be creating one id per issue... recapture, H1B abuse, outsourcing, backlogs?? wow!!!
Not sure why he wants his/ her identity covered up. This shows how good some of us are in trying to make noises in the dark and not doing anything about issues in hand.
In all, I still don't understand why L1Bs cannot work at Client site. I am sure that the L1 petitions specifically ask for Client site / work location. If Client site address is mentioned, the USCIS does approve the petition. If it is against law, they will not approve the petition. I know this for a fact since some of my friends are on L1.
How many times in this thread I have mentioned that I am getting replaced by one of these L-1B resource, I am a poor Oracle/DB developer who fortunately cannot be replaced by L-1B visa resources (as my skills is a common technical one). So once these violations impact your day to day life you look around for ways to stop this fraud. Its true that if I was a Nuero Surgeon in Phily or a Astro Scientist in Houston I wouldn't be interested in this violation :-) .... tomorrow let this scenario happen to you ... you would be first one to raise the alert.
Regarding 'getting burnt', I don't think there is bigger burn than loosing our jobs (which already is happening) and hope you know that there is something called 'anonymity'... ya lets see whos going to get 'burnt' here. We'll definetly keep you updated regarding the outcome.
Not sure why he wants his/ her identity covered up. This shows how good some of us are in trying to make noises in the dark and not doing anything about issues in hand.
In all, I still don't understand why L1Bs cannot work at Client site. I am sure that the L1 petitions specifically ask for Client site / work location. If Client site address is mentioned, the USCIS does approve the petition. If it is against law, they will not approve the petition. I know this for a fact since some of my friends are on L1.
How many times in this thread I have mentioned that I am getting replaced by one of these L-1B resource, I am a poor Oracle/DB developer who fortunately cannot be replaced by L-1B visa resources (as my skills is a common technical one). So once these violations impact your day to day life you look around for ways to stop this fraud. Its true that if I was a Nuero Surgeon in Phily or a Astro Scientist in Houston I wouldn't be interested in this violation :-) .... tomorrow let this scenario happen to you ... you would be first one to raise the alert.
Regarding 'getting burnt', I don't think there is bigger burn than loosing our jobs (which already is happening) and hope you know that there is something called 'anonymity'... ya lets see whos going to get 'burnt' here. We'll definetly keep you updated regarding the outcome.
more...
makeup cute golden retriever puppies
CADude
09-25 09:57 PM
I called 2 weeks back to her office. Her staff told me to contact my reps. If any one lives in San Jose then he/she can contact her office.
how to send an email to Lofgren her website only talks about CA certain areas. Any idea please guys do u have her direct email id , i am sending email , fax along with my area congressmen. Trying something to think out of blue.
how to send an email to Lofgren her website only talks about CA certain areas. Any idea please guys do u have her direct email id , i am sending email , fax along with my area congressmen. Trying something to think out of blue.
girlfriend From Cute Golden Retriever
diptam
08-07 12:44 PM
These 2 folks SunnySurya and Rolling_flood attacked me with RED points because i said the truth on the other thread of "Lawsuit for Porting/Interfiling". Though i least care if someone anonymous gives me Red points but i'm worried about them.....
This is what i wrote in that post which was attacked , what's wrong in it ... Try to digest the truth SunnySurya and Rolling_flood - you can't scare folks like by words of Lawsuit....
............
Lot of our case was exactly like that - i was eligible for EB2 when my Eb3 labor was filed. Employer took advantage of my compromising situation ( H was having 390 days juice left)
If Porting/Interfiling is taken off folks like me will be terribly victimized. I'm here for 9 years - my 1st labor was substituted , 2nd labor ( which should be Eb2 but filed in Eb3) took a round trip from Phily backlog elimination center and now i'm stuck in the Eb3-140 mess at NSC
..........
All,
Lets do another flower campaign to wish get well soon to SunnySurya and Rooling_flood. Get well soon Mamu...
This is what i wrote in that post which was attacked , what's wrong in it ... Try to digest the truth SunnySurya and Rolling_flood - you can't scare folks like by words of Lawsuit....
............
Lot of our case was exactly like that - i was eligible for EB2 when my Eb3 labor was filed. Employer took advantage of my compromising situation ( H was having 390 days juice left)
If Porting/Interfiling is taken off folks like me will be terribly victimized. I'm here for 9 years - my 1st labor was substituted , 2nd labor ( which should be Eb2 but filed in Eb3) took a round trip from Phily backlog elimination center and now i'm stuck in the Eb3-140 mess at NSC
..........
All,
Lets do another flower campaign to wish get well soon to SunnySurya and Rooling_flood. Get well soon Mamu...
hairstyles Emma, Golden Retriever puppy
gc4me
01-09 10:13 AM
I think we should not mention the bellow point in the letter which we are going send to the president.
Implement the existing interim rule to allow issuance of multi-year Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole.
According to Mr. Aytes, USCIS is already working on it. Why to mention it in the letter?
That will rather give anti-skill-immigration crying babies one more thing to cry about.
Now what? Under the new filing fee schedule which took effect after July 29, 2007, issuance of EAD and Advance Parole for the post August 27, 2007 is "free, free, free" for the I-485 filers. Allegedly, the cost is incorporated in the I-485 filing fee of $1,020. The new regulation uses the term of "fee waiver" for EAD and Advance Parole for these I-485 filers. Now, you guessed it! Lo and Behold, the business calculation on EAD and Advance Parole has reversed. The DHS will lose a huge money by issuing single-year EAD and a separate Advance Prole document on a yearly basis over and over since they are free and they will have to keep producing it at no charge every year, which creates a huge workloads consuming its huge human resources and other production costs. This is particularly unacceptable to the agency under the predicted State Department Visa Bulletin for FY 2008 and in the future. Now, from the business standpoint, the DHS may make a huge money by issuing a multi-year EAD which will also function as a travel document. Ahah! No wonder why they are finally coming forward revealing their hidden agenda behind the new fee rule-making and EAD/Advance Parole reform business. Reportedly, Mr. Aytes of USCIS disclosed in a New York AILA conference that the USCIS was currently working on a single multi-year EAD card that will also replace the Advance Parole document. What a smart calculation it was in the new fee rule-making action
Implement the existing interim rule to allow issuance of multi-year Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole.
According to Mr. Aytes, USCIS is already working on it. Why to mention it in the letter?
That will rather give anti-skill-immigration crying babies one more thing to cry about.
Now what? Under the new filing fee schedule which took effect after July 29, 2007, issuance of EAD and Advance Parole for the post August 27, 2007 is "free, free, free" for the I-485 filers. Allegedly, the cost is incorporated in the I-485 filing fee of $1,020. The new regulation uses the term of "fee waiver" for EAD and Advance Parole for these I-485 filers. Now, you guessed it! Lo and Behold, the business calculation on EAD and Advance Parole has reversed. The DHS will lose a huge money by issuing single-year EAD and a separate Advance Prole document on a yearly basis over and over since they are free and they will have to keep producing it at no charge every year, which creates a huge workloads consuming its huge human resources and other production costs. This is particularly unacceptable to the agency under the predicted State Department Visa Bulletin for FY 2008 and in the future. Now, from the business standpoint, the DHS may make a huge money by issuing a multi-year EAD which will also function as a travel document. Ahah! No wonder why they are finally coming forward revealing their hidden agenda behind the new fee rule-making and EAD/Advance Parole reform business. Reportedly, Mr. Aytes of USCIS disclosed in a New York AILA conference that the USCIS was currently working on a single multi-year EAD card that will also replace the Advance Parole document. What a smart calculation it was in the new fee rule-making action
Hassan11
05-24 12:57 PM
Do I have to file I-485 though a lawyer or can I do it myself. I have an old I-485 form that my lawyer filled out and he sent me a copy of but he never filed it to immigration. Can I update that old form he gave me and file an updated I-485 myself without a lawyer??
nomad
07-12 02:22 AM
http://www.sacbee.com/110/story/262484.html
Editorial: Green card fiasco
Stop mistreating those who play by rules
-
Published 12:00 am PDT Monday, July 9, 2007
If you want to know what's really wrong with our immigration system, consider the July debacle at the Citizen and Immigration Service.
Individuals and businesses typically have to wait years to apply for "green cards" for permanent residency based on job skills. The backlogs have been so severe that an engineer from India or China has had to wait six years to apply for a green card. In other employment categories, the wait can be nine to 11 years. For people from the Philippines, the wait in some work categories is 22 years.
But then in the monthly Visa Bulletin issued June 13, the State Department said that employment-based visas would be available.
This set off a rush among sponsoring businesses and individuals who have waited in line for years to apply for green cards. Thousands prepared applications and mailed them in time for the immigration service to receive them by July 2, the first day of the application window.
Then on that very day, the State Department issued a "never mind" update, announcing that the 60,000 green cards it had expected to offer would no longer be available. The thousands who submitted applications will have their applications sent back to them.
As Los Angeles immigration attorney Carl Shusterman said last Tuesday, "We're right back to square one, with scientists, engineers, teachers and health care workers having to wait in endless lines for employment-based visas."
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, chairwoman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law sent irate letters to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security. She said that changing course midmonth is contrary to years of practice, would result in the loss of thousands of dollars already expended by sponsoring businesses and individuals to prepare applications and, more important, would "threaten the integrity and predictability of our immigration system."
This is no way to treat people who try to play by the rules.
The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman notes in his 2007 annual report to Congress that the nation has a "perpetual backlog" of employment-based green card applications. This backlog means that even green cards that should be available aren't used. This contributes to the backlog; if green cards are not issued in the year they are authorized, they are lost.
In 2006, more than 10,000 employment-based green cards were lost, even though the immigration service had 100,000 to 150,000 applications waiting to be processed. Since 1994, nearly 219,000 employment-based green cards have been lost because the immigration service isn't processing enough applications in a timely manner.
It gets worse. The funds appropriated by Congress to jumpstart a backlog elimination project expired Sept. 30. The backlog will continue.
In the long term, this country needs to increase the number of employment-based green cards to meet demand. But if the immigration service cannot even process applications in a timely fashion for the current numbers of employment-based green cards that are supposed to be available, what's the point?
In the short term, if Congress and the president do nothing else regarding immigration reform, they should at least make sure that the immigration service processes green card applications in timely fashion. The backlog is inexcusable and contributes to the nation's illegal immigration problem. If we want people to play by the rules, we have to make it possible for them to do so.
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Editorial: Green card fiasco
Stop mistreating those who play by rules
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Published 12:00 am PDT Monday, July 9, 2007
If you want to know what's really wrong with our immigration system, consider the July debacle at the Citizen and Immigration Service.
Individuals and businesses typically have to wait years to apply for "green cards" for permanent residency based on job skills. The backlogs have been so severe that an engineer from India or China has had to wait six years to apply for a green card. In other employment categories, the wait can be nine to 11 years. For people from the Philippines, the wait in some work categories is 22 years.
But then in the monthly Visa Bulletin issued June 13, the State Department said that employment-based visas would be available.
This set off a rush among sponsoring businesses and individuals who have waited in line for years to apply for green cards. Thousands prepared applications and mailed them in time for the immigration service to receive them by July 2, the first day of the application window.
Then on that very day, the State Department issued a "never mind" update, announcing that the 60,000 green cards it had expected to offer would no longer be available. The thousands who submitted applications will have their applications sent back to them.
As Los Angeles immigration attorney Carl Shusterman said last Tuesday, "We're right back to square one, with scientists, engineers, teachers and health care workers having to wait in endless lines for employment-based visas."
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, chairwoman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law sent irate letters to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security. She said that changing course midmonth is contrary to years of practice, would result in the loss of thousands of dollars already expended by sponsoring businesses and individuals to prepare applications and, more important, would "threaten the integrity and predictability of our immigration system."
This is no way to treat people who try to play by the rules.
The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman notes in his 2007 annual report to Congress that the nation has a "perpetual backlog" of employment-based green card applications. This backlog means that even green cards that should be available aren't used. This contributes to the backlog; if green cards are not issued in the year they are authorized, they are lost.
In 2006, more than 10,000 employment-based green cards were lost, even though the immigration service had 100,000 to 150,000 applications waiting to be processed. Since 1994, nearly 219,000 employment-based green cards have been lost because the immigration service isn't processing enough applications in a timely manner.
It gets worse. The funds appropriated by Congress to jumpstart a backlog elimination project expired Sept. 30. The backlog will continue.
In the long term, this country needs to increase the number of employment-based green cards to meet demand. But if the immigration service cannot even process applications in a timely fashion for the current numbers of employment-based green cards that are supposed to be available, what's the point?
In the short term, if Congress and the president do nothing else regarding immigration reform, they should at least make sure that the immigration service processes green card applications in timely fashion. The backlog is inexcusable and contributes to the nation's illegal immigration problem. If we want people to play by the rules, we have to make it possible for them to do so.
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