Dipika
10-27 01:52 PM
Rongch60,
Same Here !
I got 6 months wait letter too. My wife (Dependent) for 60 days letter.
EB2/TSC .
I m lost as well!!!
i filled up #7001 form and also E.mailed a follow up letter today.
i had opened SR on 4th sept, same reply - case is preadjudicated and under review, wait for 6 months. my case is at TSC. i have taken infopass for 4th Nov to check again.
Same Here !
I got 6 months wait letter too. My wife (Dependent) for 60 days letter.
EB2/TSC .
I m lost as well!!!
i filled up #7001 form and also E.mailed a follow up letter today.
i had opened SR on 4th sept, same reply - case is preadjudicated and under review, wait for 6 months. my case is at TSC. i have taken infopass for 4th Nov to check again.
wallpaper ice Bruins+vs+flyers+fight
Macaca
11-19 12:41 PM
In War on the Middle Class (http://www.amazon.com/War-Middle-Class-Government-Business/dp/0670037923) Lou Dobbs says H1B workers don't pay taxes.
However, H-1B workers are legally required to pay the same taxes as any other US resident, including Social Security and Medicare. Some H-1B workers are not eligible to receive any Social Security or Medicare benefits unless they are able to adjust status to that of permanent resident. However, if their country of citizenship has a tax agreement with the United States, they are able to collect the Social Security they've earned even if they don't gain permanent residency.
In some cases, H-1B workers pay higher taxes than a US citizen because they are not entitled to certain deductions (eg. head of household deduction amongst many others).
Indian techie slams CNN Lou Dobbs! (http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/10-28a-04.asp) By N. Sivakumar, October 28, 2004
In a book titled "Dude, did I steal your job? Debugging Indian Computer programmers", the author, an Indian software engineer, has slammed Lou Dobbs of CNN for calling the foreign high-tech workers as non-tax payers, and humiliating the enormous contributions of foreign high-tech workforce to the American economy.
"Foreign high-tech workers who come here on H-1B / L1 visas pay every tax that U.S. citizens do, including Social Security and Medicare. But if they return to their homeland, then they will not get any benefits from these programs. The recent recession cost the United States more than half a million foreign high-tech workers who had to return home after paying all these taxes. In fact, Americans owe them money"
The author writes.
"The ignorance to mention the stupendous contributions of immigrant high-tech workers was the primary cause for the anti-Indian atmosphere which is seen among computer professionals lately. Unfortunately, neither the media nor the public understand the foreign high-tech workforce. The net result: those who supported the foreign high-tech worker programs have taken a back seat to play safe, and Indians and others who came here on visas, and worked their butts off to make this country prosper are named 'slaves', 'dummies', and 'enemies'. writes the author, N.Sivakumar.
The book also claims that bringing in foreign high-tech workforce at the right time was the primary reason for America's stupendous high-tech success, and gives statistics and evidence to prove that hadn't America acted quickly, the Europeans would have taken over the software dominance.
The book also outlines the life, struggle and achievements of Indian programmers in America with entertaining facts, and is a prime discussion topic in many anti-outsourcing and immigration websites lately.
However, H-1B workers are legally required to pay the same taxes as any other US resident, including Social Security and Medicare. Some H-1B workers are not eligible to receive any Social Security or Medicare benefits unless they are able to adjust status to that of permanent resident. However, if their country of citizenship has a tax agreement with the United States, they are able to collect the Social Security they've earned even if they don't gain permanent residency.
In some cases, H-1B workers pay higher taxes than a US citizen because they are not entitled to certain deductions (eg. head of household deduction amongst many others).
Indian techie slams CNN Lou Dobbs! (http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/10-28a-04.asp) By N. Sivakumar, October 28, 2004
In a book titled "Dude, did I steal your job? Debugging Indian Computer programmers", the author, an Indian software engineer, has slammed Lou Dobbs of CNN for calling the foreign high-tech workers as non-tax payers, and humiliating the enormous contributions of foreign high-tech workforce to the American economy.
"Foreign high-tech workers who come here on H-1B / L1 visas pay every tax that U.S. citizens do, including Social Security and Medicare. But if they return to their homeland, then they will not get any benefits from these programs. The recent recession cost the United States more than half a million foreign high-tech workers who had to return home after paying all these taxes. In fact, Americans owe them money"
The author writes.
"The ignorance to mention the stupendous contributions of immigrant high-tech workers was the primary cause for the anti-Indian atmosphere which is seen among computer professionals lately. Unfortunately, neither the media nor the public understand the foreign high-tech workforce. The net result: those who supported the foreign high-tech worker programs have taken a back seat to play safe, and Indians and others who came here on visas, and worked their butts off to make this country prosper are named 'slaves', 'dummies', and 'enemies'. writes the author, N.Sivakumar.
The book also claims that bringing in foreign high-tech workforce at the right time was the primary reason for America's stupendous high-tech success, and gives statistics and evidence to prove that hadn't America acted quickly, the Europeans would have taken over the software dominance.
The book also outlines the life, struggle and achievements of Indian programmers in America with entertaining facts, and is a prime discussion topic in many anti-outsourcing and immigration websites lately.
dbcd
05-24 01:44 AM
I'm sure there are some intelligent and caring lawmakers somewhere who listen to legal immigrants' plight. They don't seem to be in enough or meaningful numbers. Most are interested in either keeping their seats or serving a subsection of their community.
Again, I believe they are moved mostly by lobbyists and other power groups. I don't yet fully understand how much power IV can wield, but IV could be one such group.
Lawmakers care about high-skilled immigrants only because people like B. Gates, Compete America and such keep lobbying any and all the time.
BTW, I'm not at all short-sighted about this. I'm just more realistic about how things happen in Washington. Need proof: For example, look at the staffers on McCain's campaign. Most are lobbyists. Understanding how democracy works in America and commenting about it is what the real big picture is.
DBCD
Calling does help in many ways. People have to think positive rather than berating an effort.
Based on the original post, I infer that lawmakers won't care if they receive calls from LEGAL Aliens. If that is the logic then why do you think that lawmakers will work on "immigration" bills. After all the "immigration" bills only benefit folks who don't vote immediately. But one of lawmakers duty is to build the next generation America, and "immigration" bills benefit next generation America. People got to understand this fundamental difference and stop being pessimistic about IV efforts.
Directly talking to lawmakers office (through phone or in person) is far more effective than Web faxes and digital signatures.
I just cannot understand how high-skilled folks can be so short sighted, Look at the big picture.
Again, I believe they are moved mostly by lobbyists and other power groups. I don't yet fully understand how much power IV can wield, but IV could be one such group.
Lawmakers care about high-skilled immigrants only because people like B. Gates, Compete America and such keep lobbying any and all the time.
BTW, I'm not at all short-sighted about this. I'm just more realistic about how things happen in Washington. Need proof: For example, look at the staffers on McCain's campaign. Most are lobbyists. Understanding how democracy works in America and commenting about it is what the real big picture is.
DBCD
Calling does help in many ways. People have to think positive rather than berating an effort.
Based on the original post, I infer that lawmakers won't care if they receive calls from LEGAL Aliens. If that is the logic then why do you think that lawmakers will work on "immigration" bills. After all the "immigration" bills only benefit folks who don't vote immediately. But one of lawmakers duty is to build the next generation America, and "immigration" bills benefit next generation America. People got to understand this fundamental difference and stop being pessimistic about IV efforts.
Directly talking to lawmakers office (through phone or in person) is far more effective than Web faxes and digital signatures.
I just cannot understand how high-skilled folks can be so short sighted, Look at the big picture.
2011 #2 Philadelphia Flyers vs.
tsnaresh
04-18 06:10 PM
Congratulations.
more...
grupak
06-11 08:43 AM
Today is crucial.
Make the call. Will take 10mins of your time, total.
Call the names on the list and your local representative.
Make the call. Will take 10mins of your time, total.
Call the names on the list and your local representative.
syzygy
01-31 01:22 PM
They might have voted by mistake. I did that mistake. So don't think too much in negative territory instead get as many hit as possible on poll site.
just curious to know what is the reason that 22 people till now didn't vote for the question ... what do you think could be the reason ...
just curious to know what is the reason that 22 people till now didn't vote for the question ... what do you think could be the reason ...
more...
absaarkhan
08-20 01:17 PM
My Situation is Similar to Yours.
So it looks like you were able to GET H1 TRANSFER / EXTENSION
With Another Employer, Even After Entering US on Advance Parole.
I have a few Questions for you I would appreciate if you can please answer them :
1. When you Applied for H1B Transfer in Permium Processing, which I-94 #
did you gave to USCIS.
2. What did u or Attroney answered for Last Manner of Entry Question
3. Are you within the 6 Years limit for H1B or beyond i.e. using I-140 Approval.
4. Did u get any RFE for your H1B after using AP.
Please let me know.
Good job laying out all usecases "add78".
In my case, I travelled back on AP as my visa extension stamping went pending in Mumbai consulate. Came back here with my I-94 indicating "Parolee" as my new status.
Within 2 weeks, I changed employer as per AC21, they filed for my H1 transfer(premium processing) via Murthy Law Firm. I received a new I94 which put me back in the H1B status. During this 2-3 weeks I was in the US as a parolee I did NOT use the EAD, because you don't have to.
Interestingly after 3 months of my visa application at Mumbai consulate (2 months after I reached US) I received an email from them asking me to submit my passport for stamping. Its unbelievable that they think applicants would still be waiting in India for 3 months and that their employers would still be interested in keeping them, but I guess after all this ordeal I realised, they just don't care.
So it looks like you were able to GET H1 TRANSFER / EXTENSION
With Another Employer, Even After Entering US on Advance Parole.
I have a few Questions for you I would appreciate if you can please answer them :
1. When you Applied for H1B Transfer in Permium Processing, which I-94 #
did you gave to USCIS.
2. What did u or Attroney answered for Last Manner of Entry Question
3. Are you within the 6 Years limit for H1B or beyond i.e. using I-140 Approval.
4. Did u get any RFE for your H1B after using AP.
Please let me know.
Good job laying out all usecases "add78".
In my case, I travelled back on AP as my visa extension stamping went pending in Mumbai consulate. Came back here with my I-94 indicating "Parolee" as my new status.
Within 2 weeks, I changed employer as per AC21, they filed for my H1 transfer(premium processing) via Murthy Law Firm. I received a new I94 which put me back in the H1B status. During this 2-3 weeks I was in the US as a parolee I did NOT use the EAD, because you don't have to.
Interestingly after 3 months of my visa application at Mumbai consulate (2 months after I reached US) I received an email from them asking me to submit my passport for stamping. Its unbelievable that they think applicants would still be waiting in India for 3 months and that their employers would still be interested in keeping them, but I guess after all this ordeal I realised, they just don't care.
2010 Philadelphia Flyers goalie
mbodda
11-05 10:07 AM
Hi Bradman
Congratulations. Can you please tell me who you addressed it to (letter to the president) - is it just the address given on the WH website. Did you send it to anyone's attention in particular. Thanks in advance for the info.
It worked man !!!
Gotta the Card production mail this morning after writing to the presidents office
Thanks a ton for your valuable advise !!!
Congratulations. Can you please tell me who you addressed it to (letter to the president) - is it just the address given on the WH website. Did you send it to anyone's attention in particular. Thanks in advance for the info.
It worked man !!!
Gotta the Card production mail this morning after writing to the presidents office
Thanks a ton for your valuable advise !!!
more...
qplearn
11-16 01:51 PM
There is radio talk guy Sean Hannity (Convervative Republican). He is very popular for his straight and truth talk on radio. He comes in 7:60 AM on radio from 3PM to 5 PM EST.
We could send an e-mail or call and request him if he could take time to talk about our problem. He is very much against Illegal Immigration. He always supported legal immigration. He himself is an immigrant. Most of the people in Congress know him. Probably this might be a good idea and hope he will talk about our problems and this wrong propaganda about us not paying taxes.
For more information about him you can check http://www.hannity.com
I would stay away from this guy. He hates all immigrants; he supports the legal ones when he wants to bash the illegals. He is on FOX everyday. People who might listen to us are people like Margaret Warner on PBS.
We could send an e-mail or call and request him if he could take time to talk about our problem. He is very much against Illegal Immigration. He always supported legal immigration. He himself is an immigrant. Most of the people in Congress know him. Probably this might be a good idea and hope he will talk about our problems and this wrong propaganda about us not paying taxes.
For more information about him you can check http://www.hannity.com
I would stay away from this guy. He hates all immigrants; he supports the legal ones when he wants to bash the illegals. He is on FOX everyday. People who might listen to us are people like Margaret Warner on PBS.
hair The Boston Bruins celebrate a
pansworld
12-13 03:27 PM
"Recurring Contribution" with no strings attached for non-contributors. :)
I do not support "Paid membership". I support "Recurring Contribution" Ultimately it is money but at basic definition both concepts are completely different.
I do not support "Paid membership". I support "Recurring Contribution" Ultimately it is money but at basic definition both concepts are completely different.
more...
eb3_nepa
06-07 09:17 AM
Awesome post logiclife!
On a side note. I would LOVE it if people working here on Visas were NOT referred to as "aliens". It is VERY demeaning to people of other countries.
On a side note. I would LOVE it if people working here on Visas were NOT referred to as "aliens". It is VERY demeaning to people of other countries.
hot the Bruins vs. the Flyers.
swarnapuri
12-10 09:37 PM
Congrats on getting you GC!
more...
house public playoffs get all the
gcgreen
08-13 07:39 PM
your title is misleading. where is the "plight" that you refer to?
Also, EB2 applies to jobs that require a Masters degree as well, not just PhD.
An MS can be completed in as little as 9 months (YES, 9 months, if you apply for MS in a school that follows quarter system and complete coursework but no thesis) for majors like Electrical and Computer Engineering. So what is the plight for folks who completed MS in say 9 months to 2 yrs, and how is it different from the plight of EB3 folks?
Yes, that is right, I said �plight of EB2-India�.
I am a passive observer of these forums. But some of the ridiculous notions floating around here have motivated me to vent. First and foremost, the law as written is highly favorable to people in EB3 categories, even from India. Here is how...
Take my example (and there are thousands like myself)....came to the US 8 years ago, spent 5 years working day and night to earn a PhD on a low (barely sustainable) stipend, got FIRST job saw decent money for the first time 6 years after I came.
Now, compare this to a person working an EB3-job for the last 8 years. Not only does this person do a real job that hopefully provides a respectable income but this person also has the option of moving to EB2 after 5 years of experience. So, at the end of the day in 2008; this person comes out ahead of me in terms of money, in terms of priority date (if ported) and most likely in terms of GC.
There are complaints all over the forum which have the stink of pretentiousness such as �oh..i am a poor EB3 waiting for n number of years� etc etc. What you guys seem to forget is that YOU are NOT an EB3, it is your JOB that is EB3. You have all the opportunities that were/are available to a person who sweated it out in the university system here to gain more qualifications and get an EB2 job. You CHOSE not to. The general discussion seems to center around cribbing about the US immigration system (Immigration by the way is a privilege defined by laws, not a birthright) and then blaming the EB2 crowd when they finally see the system implement the law as intended in the first place (horizontal spillover rules).
All these posts that refer to �my career is over because my gc is delayed� are nothing but a pathetic excuse. Law of supply and demand....if you have a skillset that is valuable, you will be fine with or without GC anywhere in the world. It takes a bunch of documents to remain here legally, all you need is a passport to go back if the system here seems so bad.
For all the attacks that are bound to happen, here is the fodder.....this is probably my first and last post, I haven�t contributed a dime to IV, will work here as long as I like it and if not, India is a great country and provides enough opportunities for any skillset !!
Also, EB2 applies to jobs that require a Masters degree as well, not just PhD.
An MS can be completed in as little as 9 months (YES, 9 months, if you apply for MS in a school that follows quarter system and complete coursework but no thesis) for majors like Electrical and Computer Engineering. So what is the plight for folks who completed MS in say 9 months to 2 yrs, and how is it different from the plight of EB3 folks?
Yes, that is right, I said �plight of EB2-India�.
I am a passive observer of these forums. But some of the ridiculous notions floating around here have motivated me to vent. First and foremost, the law as written is highly favorable to people in EB3 categories, even from India. Here is how...
Take my example (and there are thousands like myself)....came to the US 8 years ago, spent 5 years working day and night to earn a PhD on a low (barely sustainable) stipend, got FIRST job saw decent money for the first time 6 years after I came.
Now, compare this to a person working an EB3-job for the last 8 years. Not only does this person do a real job that hopefully provides a respectable income but this person also has the option of moving to EB2 after 5 years of experience. So, at the end of the day in 2008; this person comes out ahead of me in terms of money, in terms of priority date (if ported) and most likely in terms of GC.
There are complaints all over the forum which have the stink of pretentiousness such as �oh..i am a poor EB3 waiting for n number of years� etc etc. What you guys seem to forget is that YOU are NOT an EB3, it is your JOB that is EB3. You have all the opportunities that were/are available to a person who sweated it out in the university system here to gain more qualifications and get an EB2 job. You CHOSE not to. The general discussion seems to center around cribbing about the US immigration system (Immigration by the way is a privilege defined by laws, not a birthright) and then blaming the EB2 crowd when they finally see the system implement the law as intended in the first place (horizontal spillover rules).
All these posts that refer to �my career is over because my gc is delayed� are nothing but a pathetic excuse. Law of supply and demand....if you have a skillset that is valuable, you will be fine with or without GC anywhere in the world. It takes a bunch of documents to remain here legally, all you need is a passport to go back if the system here seems so bad.
For all the attacks that are bound to happen, here is the fodder.....this is probably my first and last post, I haven�t contributed a dime to IV, will work here as long as I like it and if not, India is a great country and provides enough opportunities for any skillset !!
tattoo Boston Bruins (6) vs.
waitforevergc
05-07 04:17 PM
hi,
not being argumentative here...IMHO..loyalty and patriotism can be interpreted differently.
You can be loyal to your family, friends, company as well as state as you mentioned.
But you can be Patriotic and loyal only to one country:)You cannot have your feet in multiple boats;)
not being argumentative here...IMHO..loyalty and patriotism can be interpreted differently.
You can be loyal to your family, friends, company as well as state as you mentioned.
But you can be Patriotic and loyal only to one country:)You cannot have your feet in multiple boats;)
more...
pictures Boston Bruins celebrate
satishku_2000
05-24 05:33 PM
You can call Jose in Mexico and they ll deliver a passport in less than a week. ALL WE NEED IS TO REGISTER A LAWN MOWING FIRM and then BILL THE CLIENT at 100$/Hr for first designing the plan for the mowing on a computer and then getting a MEXICAN to do it for us. ...;-)
AM I BEING REVERSE RACIST? AM I BAD? I think its healthy to speak your mind out against opression based on RACE
Hope I did not offend any one ...I was just frustrated when I made my statements ..
AM I BEING REVERSE RACIST? AM I BAD? I think its healthy to speak your mind out against opression based on RACE
Hope I did not offend any one ...I was just frustrated when I made my statements ..
dresses Bruins. Tampa Bay Lightning vs
red1234
07-10 01:34 PM
talked to my attorney and he did get 1 or 2 applications back from USCIS. but he is not sure whether it is from July 2nd filers or after that.
obviously they are returning applications.
obviously they are returning applications.
more...
makeup May 15, 2010 NHL Playoffs 2010
arrarrgee
07-16 10:37 AM
signed
I plan to send this petition to all senior executives of Time Warner Inc by Priority Mail and Fax. CNN is a fully owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
I plan to send this petition to all senior executives of Time Warner Inc by Priority Mail and Fax. CNN is a fully owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
girlfriend Flyers complete stunning
cashah19
06-15 01:16 AM
Yes she needs to be here to file I-485 and then she can leave and stay there..
Thanks for the reply, I am assuming she has the same requirements as me in terms of medical , right which means another 2 weeks after she arrives. If she can't make it here in July, can I file under CP for her. Would she then get her EAD at the same time as me. I have been trying to get in touch with my lawyer but he's not there, and I want to make sure I add her in before the dates get retrogressed again.
Thanks for the reply, I am assuming she has the same requirements as me in terms of medical , right which means another 2 weeks after she arrives. If she can't make it here in July, can I file under CP for her. Would she then get her EAD at the same time as me. I have been trying to get in touch with my lawyer but he's not there, and I want to make sure I add her in before the dates get retrogressed again.
hairstyles The Bruins were the main
gagbag
07-11 12:53 PM
http://www.ilw.com/articles/2007,0710-lee.shtm
Is Money Behind USCIS Move To Have Department Of State Take Unprecedented Action To "Update" July Visa Chart?
by Alan Lee, Esq.
Was the Department of State's unprecedented action on July 2, 2007, issuing an "Update on July Visa Availability" closing off visa availability for the rest of the fiscal year for employment based cases and essentially gutting its July visa bulletin (which opened the employment based categories EB-1 through EB-3 for adjustment of status applications) all about the money with U.S.C.I.S. in the role of culprit? We believe the answer unfortunately is "yes" and reflects U.S.C.I.S.'s desperate desire to grab its huge future fee increase from individuals that it saw slipping through its fingers. U.S.C.I.S. undoubtedly perceived its expected windfall of hundreds of millions of dollars through its outlandish July 30th increase in fees for petitions and applications (average increase 66%) threatened by the July visa chart which would allow many employment based individuals and their families to beat the fee increases. A typical family of four (husband, wife, child aged 16 and the other 12) applying for adjustment of status currently pays $1,605 to U.S.C.I.S. (including I-140 charge). That same family on and after July 30th would pay $4,105, an increase of $2,500, or 255%. If one multiplies those figures by at least 100,000 ( $250 million difference),[1] one can imagine the explosive temper of top U.S.C.I.S. officials when they saw the Visa Office July chart. U.S.C.I.S. has made no bones that it is depending upon the fee increases to fund its proposed systems and structures for the 21st century.
The Visa Office made it clear through the updating of the visa bulletin that its update was only because of U.S.C.I.S. action using the phrases "The sudden backlog reduction efforts by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices during the past month....", and "As a result of this unexpected action....." The Visa Office cited these efforts as resulting in the use of almost 60,000 employment numbers. It is also clear that the Visa Office had no wish to defend U.S.C.I.S. when it issued its update on July 2nd. Whether it retains its stance in the future of washing its hands and pointing the finger at U.S.C.I.S. remains to be seen in light of probable Administration pressure to spin the story in a more positive light to the government as this Administration has exhibited a continual attitude of "soaking" immigrants, legal or otherwise ( $25,000+ for a family of four to immigrate under the recent fallen Senate bill ( See our article, "$10,000 Required For Earned Legalization and Adjustment Under the Secure Borders, Employment Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act", http://www.alanleelaw.com/english/articles/a2007-05-26.htm), which figure was modified from the earlier Administration proposal of $82,000+ ( See our article, "Mr. Lee's Comment to March 28, 2007 White House Immigration Reform Proposal - Z Visas", http://www.ilw.com/immigdaily/digest/2007,0403.shtm in "LETTERS" section), the passed amendment to S. 1639 raising H-1B surcharge fees to $5,000 on top of the fraud ($500) and filing ($190) fees, and the rapacious July 30th U.S.C.I.S. fee increase). The author recalls his telephone conversation with Charlie Oppenheim, the chief of immigrant visa control and reporting, Visa Office, in December 2004 concerning the 101,000 "pool numbers", in which Mr. Oppenheim gave no credence to U.S.C.I.S. figures that the agency had cleared over 100,000 cases (including dependents) between April and November. (The exact differential was 115,000 cases, a rate of about 16,400 per month). The author has no knowledge of the exact number of cases that U.S.C.I.S. claimed to close in June for the State Department to announce that almost 60,000 employment numbers were used (employment based immigrant visa numbers are also requested by U.S. consulates and embassies), but notes that the vast majority of employment based cases are with aliens in the States who adjust status here rather than consular processing their cases. If U.S.C.I.S. claimed to clear anywhere in the area of 40,000-50,000 cases last month, that number for one month is difficult if not incredulous to believe, and if true would have involved massive shifts of U.S.C.I.S. personnel from other responsibilities to comb through and adjudicate all files of persons eligible to immigrate through employment, or less than careful consideration of the cases. Hopefully the agency was not in such a desperate state as to cut corners to endanger our national security if it was the latter case.
The facts and the legality of U.S.C.I.S.'s actions will undoubtedly be the subject of multiple lawsuits. However this turns out, the agency and the Administration will wind up with less respect than before. This Administration needs all the good publicity that it can muster in light of its unpopular Iraq war and recent actions freeing Scooter Libby (not even Paris Hilton avoided imprisonment) and supporting Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and creating further public mistrust of the justice system even after confirmation that he and other White House aides politicized the selection of United States Attorneys. Unless U.S.C.I.S. and the Visa Office can change course, this episode will unfortunately become a black eye to all parties as further facts emerge in the coming days.
Is Money Behind USCIS Move To Have Department Of State Take Unprecedented Action To "Update" July Visa Chart?
by Alan Lee, Esq.
Was the Department of State's unprecedented action on July 2, 2007, issuing an "Update on July Visa Availability" closing off visa availability for the rest of the fiscal year for employment based cases and essentially gutting its July visa bulletin (which opened the employment based categories EB-1 through EB-3 for adjustment of status applications) all about the money with U.S.C.I.S. in the role of culprit? We believe the answer unfortunately is "yes" and reflects U.S.C.I.S.'s desperate desire to grab its huge future fee increase from individuals that it saw slipping through its fingers. U.S.C.I.S. undoubtedly perceived its expected windfall of hundreds of millions of dollars through its outlandish July 30th increase in fees for petitions and applications (average increase 66%) threatened by the July visa chart which would allow many employment based individuals and their families to beat the fee increases. A typical family of four (husband, wife, child aged 16 and the other 12) applying for adjustment of status currently pays $1,605 to U.S.C.I.S. (including I-140 charge). That same family on and after July 30th would pay $4,105, an increase of $2,500, or 255%. If one multiplies those figures by at least 100,000 ( $250 million difference),[1] one can imagine the explosive temper of top U.S.C.I.S. officials when they saw the Visa Office July chart. U.S.C.I.S. has made no bones that it is depending upon the fee increases to fund its proposed systems and structures for the 21st century.
The Visa Office made it clear through the updating of the visa bulletin that its update was only because of U.S.C.I.S. action using the phrases "The sudden backlog reduction efforts by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices during the past month....", and "As a result of this unexpected action....." The Visa Office cited these efforts as resulting in the use of almost 60,000 employment numbers. It is also clear that the Visa Office had no wish to defend U.S.C.I.S. when it issued its update on July 2nd. Whether it retains its stance in the future of washing its hands and pointing the finger at U.S.C.I.S. remains to be seen in light of probable Administration pressure to spin the story in a more positive light to the government as this Administration has exhibited a continual attitude of "soaking" immigrants, legal or otherwise ( $25,000+ for a family of four to immigrate under the recent fallen Senate bill ( See our article, "$10,000 Required For Earned Legalization and Adjustment Under the Secure Borders, Employment Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act", http://www.alanleelaw.com/english/articles/a2007-05-26.htm), which figure was modified from the earlier Administration proposal of $82,000+ ( See our article, "Mr. Lee's Comment to March 28, 2007 White House Immigration Reform Proposal - Z Visas", http://www.ilw.com/immigdaily/digest/2007,0403.shtm in "LETTERS" section), the passed amendment to S. 1639 raising H-1B surcharge fees to $5,000 on top of the fraud ($500) and filing ($190) fees, and the rapacious July 30th U.S.C.I.S. fee increase). The author recalls his telephone conversation with Charlie Oppenheim, the chief of immigrant visa control and reporting, Visa Office, in December 2004 concerning the 101,000 "pool numbers", in which Mr. Oppenheim gave no credence to U.S.C.I.S. figures that the agency had cleared over 100,000 cases (including dependents) between April and November. (The exact differential was 115,000 cases, a rate of about 16,400 per month). The author has no knowledge of the exact number of cases that U.S.C.I.S. claimed to close in June for the State Department to announce that almost 60,000 employment numbers were used (employment based immigrant visa numbers are also requested by U.S. consulates and embassies), but notes that the vast majority of employment based cases are with aliens in the States who adjust status here rather than consular processing their cases. If U.S.C.I.S. claimed to clear anywhere in the area of 40,000-50,000 cases last month, that number for one month is difficult if not incredulous to believe, and if true would have involved massive shifts of U.S.C.I.S. personnel from other responsibilities to comb through and adjudicate all files of persons eligible to immigrate through employment, or less than careful consideration of the cases. Hopefully the agency was not in such a desperate state as to cut corners to endanger our national security if it was the latter case.
The facts and the legality of U.S.C.I.S.'s actions will undoubtedly be the subject of multiple lawsuits. However this turns out, the agency and the Administration will wind up with less respect than before. This Administration needs all the good publicity that it can muster in light of its unpopular Iraq war and recent actions freeing Scooter Libby (not even Paris Hilton avoided imprisonment) and supporting Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and creating further public mistrust of the justice system even after confirmation that he and other White House aides politicized the selection of United States Attorneys. Unless U.S.C.I.S. and the Visa Office can change course, this episode will unfortunately become a black eye to all parties as further facts emerge in the coming days.
voldemar
02-27 03:55 PM
labor sub is being cancelled.. Don't get into it.. you will loose money and gain nothing..
Wrong. There is still time to get it done.
Wrong. There is still time to get it done.
v2neha
01-30 05:45 PM
Looks like the question numbers are changing very frequently - when I voted they were questions 11 and 38. Please pay attention to text and not question numbers when voting
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