mrsr
07-04 10:43 AM
no one knows
wallpaper Off of Big Sean#39;s debut album
485Mbe4001
07-28 03:05 PM
:D well said..
self interest is the ONLY binding factor amongst 'highly skilled' workers
Others are scared sh*it that the real deal will be revealed. Just goes to prove that if the current system goes to serve YOUR narrow self interest, you will go to no end to justify it AND defend it... even at the cost of creating deep divides amongst a larger group. Suddenly, your sense of outrage has been channeled against EB3 I's seeking a voice and not against the 'system' that you claimed to care fixing. Nice. A chameleon would be proud to welcome you to the family.
The visecral reaction to my thread (not threat!) has only gone to prove my hypothesis - self interest is the ONLY binding factor amongst 'highly skilled' workers
Others are scared sh*it that the real deal will be revealed. Just goes to prove that if the current system goes to serve YOUR narrow self interest, you will go to no end to justify it AND defend it... even at the cost of creating deep divides amongst a larger group. Suddenly, your sense of outrage has been channeled against EB3 I's seeking a voice and not against the 'system' that you claimed to care fixing. Nice. A chameleon would be proud to welcome you to the family.
.....
Peace!
self interest is the ONLY binding factor amongst 'highly skilled' workers
Others are scared sh*it that the real deal will be revealed. Just goes to prove that if the current system goes to serve YOUR narrow self interest, you will go to no end to justify it AND defend it... even at the cost of creating deep divides amongst a larger group. Suddenly, your sense of outrage has been channeled against EB3 I's seeking a voice and not against the 'system' that you claimed to care fixing. Nice. A chameleon would be proud to welcome you to the family.
The visecral reaction to my thread (not threat!) has only gone to prove my hypothesis - self interest is the ONLY binding factor amongst 'highly skilled' workers
Others are scared sh*it that the real deal will be revealed. Just goes to prove that if the current system goes to serve YOUR narrow self interest, you will go to no end to justify it AND defend it... even at the cost of creating deep divides amongst a larger group. Suddenly, your sense of outrage has been channeled against EB3 I's seeking a voice and not against the 'system' that you claimed to care fixing. Nice. A chameleon would be proud to welcome you to the family.
.....
Peace!
amits
07-20 07:57 AM
A big thanks to those who are contributing in this thread!
If you have not done already, then please consider the monthly recurring contribution for IV as well:
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=25#HowToContribute
Monthly recurring contributions signups - Marathon.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3426
If you have not done already, then please consider the monthly recurring contribution for IV as well:
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=25#HowToContribute
Monthly recurring contributions signups - Marathon.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3426
2011 ig sean i do it shirt.
unitednations
03-08 04:21 PM
I came on extension. I think they are more critical about the companies with whom you are working for. All my friends with extended their visa with no problems. I it is very hard to conclude on this. But scares every one if we keep saying they can not extend their visa.
Be prepared with good documentation and you should be fine.
Following is an e-mail I received from a person on L-1 with IBM.
Adding to my conversation with you, its unfortunate that my L1 extension has just got denied this week. I was going to leave this company anyways but this makes the COS difficult. My case took unusually long and now finally i have the denial notice as per USCIS website. My company has not yet received the papers, but once they do i may have to go back to India for converting my status. I think cannot go to Mexico or Canada as my I-94 has expired.
In the meantime i am following a lead i have for a project in Atlanta. Nothing sure but i will let you know if it culminates to something.
I was also informed that there is a new rule in place which does not allow people to go to Mexico or Canada for H1 stamping if they have entered US on a different visa . People are being sent back to home country for stamping.
What do you suggest i do? Shall i get H4 stamped in India or shall i go for H1 stamping. I will still have at least a month's grace period and if things don't work out after i come back, i will then convert to H4 then.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Be prepared with good documentation and you should be fine.
Following is an e-mail I received from a person on L-1 with IBM.
Adding to my conversation with you, its unfortunate that my L1 extension has just got denied this week. I was going to leave this company anyways but this makes the COS difficult. My case took unusually long and now finally i have the denial notice as per USCIS website. My company has not yet received the papers, but once they do i may have to go back to India for converting my status. I think cannot go to Mexico or Canada as my I-94 has expired.
In the meantime i am following a lead i have for a project in Atlanta. Nothing sure but i will let you know if it culminates to something.
I was also informed that there is a new rule in place which does not allow people to go to Mexico or Canada for H1 stamping if they have entered US on a different visa . People are being sent back to home country for stamping.
What do you suggest i do? Shall i get H4 stamped in India or shall i go for H1 stamping. I will still have at least a month's grace period and if things don't work out after i come back, i will then convert to H4 then.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
more...
ski_dude12
08-26 03:33 PM
Even my case was transferred from NSC to TSC. My I-485 receipt has receipt date as July 3 2007 but the notice date is September 7 2007. My A# is on the receipt but no PD.
I'm seeing lots of folks being greened whose PD is after us. Is it possible that they have PD on their 485 (because I-140 concurrently filed) and so it was picked up by officer? I guess it's not.
In response to infopass officer's request to expedite, I received letter from USCIS (within a week) . It shows my receipt# correct but shows filing date 10/10/2007. Actually, this is receipt date of case transfer to TSC from NSC.
I'm seeing lots of folks being greened whose PD is after us. Is it possible that they have PD on their 485 (because I-140 concurrently filed) and so it was picked up by officer? I guess it's not.
In response to infopass officer's request to expedite, I received letter from USCIS (within a week) . It shows my receipt# correct but shows filing date 10/10/2007. Actually, this is receipt date of case transfer to TSC from NSC.
sankap
07-09 10:20 PM
In that case, I *guess* you can show yourself as "permanently self-employed" for your own company--should be easy if you have an LLC that does business in "same or similar" occupation (e.g., consulting/PM). Should also be easy to state the *projected" yearly income on EVL.
First read this post.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/473142-post12.html
This should clear your doubt. You can read RFE issued by USCIS on other forum as well. The word "permanent" is right there.
.
First read this post.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/473142-post12.html
This should clear your doubt. You can read RFE issued by USCIS on other forum as well. The word "permanent" is right there.
.
more...
johny
09-11 02:34 PM
I got receipts for 485,765,131 for me and my wife. from CSC.
mailed app on jul 6th to NSC. received on 9th Jul. Notice date on all is sep 6th.
mailed app on jul 6th to NSC. received on 9th Jul. Notice date on all is sep 6th.
2010 Trend: Big Sean and Usher#39;s
smuggymba
07-20 11:50 AM
smuggymba,
Do you have any numbers for advocacy effort participation in terms of EB2 vs EB3 ? You and some EB2 members on this forum seems to be suggesting that they are getting GCs faster because you they did some outstanding effort in terms of IV advocacy effort. Would you mind sharing some evidence in case you have some ?
I didn't see EB2 guys overcrowding that event. There were well meaning, sincere members from both EB2 as well EB3.
Please stop lecturing EB3 guys. If pappu or someone from leadership want to lecture us, it is fine. Not every jack and jill on this forum should lecture us.
ok, let me put the matter to rest before you take it out of context. My observation was based on the thread that we had for collecting the amount..I didn't see many EB3 folks contribute dollars....but now that 2 EB3 are vouching that enough EB3 folks contibuted, that's great. I just observed something and if it hurt you right down the spine, sorry. I filed PERM 3 months ago, I'm far off in this process. Just focus on advocay so that everyone gets their GCs. Good luck. I hate this EB2 vs EB3, this is a never ending debate. Just hope everyone gets their GC in time.
Do you have any numbers for advocacy effort participation in terms of EB2 vs EB3 ? You and some EB2 members on this forum seems to be suggesting that they are getting GCs faster because you they did some outstanding effort in terms of IV advocacy effort. Would you mind sharing some evidence in case you have some ?
I didn't see EB2 guys overcrowding that event. There were well meaning, sincere members from both EB2 as well EB3.
Please stop lecturing EB3 guys. If pappu or someone from leadership want to lecture us, it is fine. Not every jack and jill on this forum should lecture us.
ok, let me put the matter to rest before you take it out of context. My observation was based on the thread that we had for collecting the amount..I didn't see many EB3 folks contribute dollars....but now that 2 EB3 are vouching that enough EB3 folks contibuted, that's great. I just observed something and if it hurt you right down the spine, sorry. I filed PERM 3 months ago, I'm far off in this process. Just focus on advocay so that everyone gets their GCs. Good luck. I hate this EB2 vs EB3, this is a never ending debate. Just hope everyone gets their GC in time.
more...
vinabath
04-23 03:34 PM
any one who tells to be cautious is a desi employer or a silent partner. Any one wonder to ask the thread starter
why in the beginning he chose a desi employer and signed a non-compete clause?
why did not get his H-1 done with PF?
every one( desi employer and h-1b employee) have weaknesses and strong points.
H-1B program is the nastiest and problematic for employer and also for the employee. There is a reason lot of american born owned consulting business dont do H-1s. Big over head on the employer. Accounting complexity and hard to follow H-1b and dol rules.
I am not even talking immigration process and family problems H-1bs go through. Desi employers take the risk of doing h-1s and and 90% of them dont even grow beyond 50 people and there is constant battle of retaining H-1 b employees at the same time making profit.
I thought of starting a desi consulting firm and realised it is a lot of pain.
Desi employee
1. wants 80% and may be 90%
2. bare h-1 cost
3. bare gc cost
4. bare insurance cost
5. pay salary on time
6. pay umemp, ss taxes
in addition to the time employer has to spend time to do all the above tasks.
end of the day its not even worth running desi consulting business unless we make atleast 15-20% of the revenue.
end of the day....desi employers have to face the brunt of american born workers and dol that desi employers run poor hiring practices and poor EEO practices and not only that desi employers run down the billing rates.
it is a vicious cycle. desi employees want to work for low billing rates because of their necessity and in turn run down profits of the employers this in turn make both the employee and employer unhappy.
how can a guy with 5 years experience in SAP is ready to work for 60$? LOL.
every knows how the game is played.
another important point employees want the employer run the payroll while they are on bench so that their H-1B status does not mess up. How can an employer run payroll when the employer makes 5-7% profit? LOL.
another one..... employee wants 80% but cannot wait until the client he is working for pays for his services to the employer. employee wants that 80% percent on time. LOL
another one h-1b employees want to cut lines to gc faster. they are ready pay large sums to money to employer to buy earlier PD.
I was H-1b 3 weeks ago. I stayed with my employer for 6 years and still working. and I also know h-1 b is a really bad visa for an employee too.
Ideally USA should give work visas based on individual's merit like an OPT/EAD for 6 years instead of H-1.
why in the beginning he chose a desi employer and signed a non-compete clause?
why did not get his H-1 done with PF?
every one( desi employer and h-1b employee) have weaknesses and strong points.
H-1B program is the nastiest and problematic for employer and also for the employee. There is a reason lot of american born owned consulting business dont do H-1s. Big over head on the employer. Accounting complexity and hard to follow H-1b and dol rules.
I am not even talking immigration process and family problems H-1bs go through. Desi employers take the risk of doing h-1s and and 90% of them dont even grow beyond 50 people and there is constant battle of retaining H-1 b employees at the same time making profit.
I thought of starting a desi consulting firm and realised it is a lot of pain.
Desi employee
1. wants 80% and may be 90%
2. bare h-1 cost
3. bare gc cost
4. bare insurance cost
5. pay salary on time
6. pay umemp, ss taxes
in addition to the time employer has to spend time to do all the above tasks.
end of the day its not even worth running desi consulting business unless we make atleast 15-20% of the revenue.
end of the day....desi employers have to face the brunt of american born workers and dol that desi employers run poor hiring practices and poor EEO practices and not only that desi employers run down the billing rates.
it is a vicious cycle. desi employees want to work for low billing rates because of their necessity and in turn run down profits of the employers this in turn make both the employee and employer unhappy.
how can a guy with 5 years experience in SAP is ready to work for 60$? LOL.
every knows how the game is played.
another important point employees want the employer run the payroll while they are on bench so that their H-1B status does not mess up. How can an employer run payroll when the employer makes 5-7% profit? LOL.
another one..... employee wants 80% but cannot wait until the client he is working for pays for his services to the employer. employee wants that 80% percent on time. LOL
another one h-1b employees want to cut lines to gc faster. they are ready pay large sums to money to employer to buy earlier PD.
I was H-1b 3 weeks ago. I stayed with my employer for 6 years and still working. and I also know h-1 b is a really bad visa for an employee too.
Ideally USA should give work visas based on individual's merit like an OPT/EAD for 6 years instead of H-1.
hair Big Sean Finally Famous The
a_tyagi26
01-30 03:19 PM
I agree with nousername and sledgehammer. It's funny how people justify unethical behavior by saying hey everybody is just trying to improve their own lives. Criminals are trying to improve their own life too and that doesn't excuse crime. The issue here is simple. This lady went for the quick and easy way out, applied for an H1B with some sleazy body shopper without having a project in hand and in the process, no doubt deprived someone better-deserving who actually had a job in hand.
Anyways, if you are not being paid, you are out of status. Best option for you is to apply for a COS to H4 right away so your out-of-status time doesn't come back to haunt you later. Without pay stubs it is doubtful that it will be approved so most probably you might have to go back to your home country and re-enter on an H4 stamp.
or if you are not getting paid you can complain to labor department. Your employer is that body shopper and he should pay you for the period of your h1. He has proved that he has capacity to pay you by filing for LCA and h1b. you having a project was never a condition for you getting paid from your employer. complain to labor department or USCIS if you are not getting paid.
Anyways, if you are not being paid, you are out of status. Best option for you is to apply for a COS to H4 right away so your out-of-status time doesn't come back to haunt you later. Without pay stubs it is doubtful that it will be approved so most probably you might have to go back to your home country and re-enter on an H4 stamp.
or if you are not getting paid you can complain to labor department. Your employer is that body shopper and he should pay you for the period of your h1. He has proved that he has capacity to pay you by filing for LCA and h1b. you having a project was never a condition for you getting paid from your employer. complain to labor department or USCIS if you are not getting paid.
more...
paragpujara
01-07 08:13 AM
I also did the same thing. I got the scan copies from my lawyer. Print out will work (IO will verify yr name on receipt with yr photo Id).
Good Luck and lemme know if you need any further help.
Thanks Parag, your post is helpful.
One quick question - I do not have original 485 receipts with me but have scanned copies of them which my lawyer has emailed me. If I print them out and take them to the infopass, is that sufficient or do they ask for the original receipts?
Thanks and good luck ahead!
Good Luck and lemme know if you need any further help.
Thanks Parag, your post is helpful.
One quick question - I do not have original 485 receipts with me but have scanned copies of them which my lawyer has emailed me. If I print them out and take them to the infopass, is that sufficient or do they ask for the original receipts?
Thanks and good luck ahead!
hot Big Sean#39;s journey to his
marty
05-30 11:57 AM
Thanks Marty once again.
I plan to apply for SIN but is it required to do medical insurance, PO box and bank account right now?
I am returning back on monday and as of now don't know if i will go to canada or stay in US.
Thanks :)
Getting the SIN number is important like SSN number in US. You will need it no matter if you will or will not return to Canada. Get a medium size PO box for atleast one year that will cost you around $80-$100 but its worth it. Opening the account is also important. Deposit few hundred dollars so that your account is in good value until your US immigration is done.
I plan to apply for SIN but is it required to do medical insurance, PO box and bank account right now?
I am returning back on monday and as of now don't know if i will go to canada or stay in US.
Thanks :)
Getting the SIN number is important like SSN number in US. You will need it no matter if you will or will not return to Canada. Get a medium size PO box for atleast one year that will cost you around $80-$100 but its worth it. Opening the account is also important. Deposit few hundred dollars so that your account is in good value until your US immigration is done.
more...
house hot ig sean i do it shirt.
GC1027
11-21 11:18 AM
Gurus,
I have a unique position. couple of weeks back I was told that have fatal cancer and won't live pass 4-6 months. After recovering from initial shock I am wondering if my wife will be able to continue her american dream or she will have to head home after me.
I have filed 485 with approved 140 back in june, 2007 with PD of March, 2003
Please help.
Mehul
Hi Mehul,
I cannot tell you how sorry I am for your current situation. Please don't give up and consult other physicians. I personally know couple of people who were scared by the doctors about having a serious health condition but they totally recovered and are fine now. The doctors here just alert you about the worst that could happen to save themselves from being sued. So please don't lose hope and try other methods.
I am sure USCIS will consider your situation and your wife will get her GC without any problems. You just have to go in the right route. Contacting an attorney would be the way to go.
Our best wishes are with you!
I have a unique position. couple of weeks back I was told that have fatal cancer and won't live pass 4-6 months. After recovering from initial shock I am wondering if my wife will be able to continue her american dream or she will have to head home after me.
I have filed 485 with approved 140 back in june, 2007 with PD of March, 2003
Please help.
Mehul
Hi Mehul,
I cannot tell you how sorry I am for your current situation. Please don't give up and consult other physicians. I personally know couple of people who were scared by the doctors about having a serious health condition but they totally recovered and are fine now. The doctors here just alert you about the worst that could happen to save themselves from being sued. So please don't lose hope and try other methods.
I am sure USCIS will consider your situation and your wife will get her GC without any problems. You just have to go in the right route. Contacting an attorney would be the way to go.
Our best wishes are with you!
tattoo wallpaper Big Sean- quot;I Do
Dhundhun
12-15 11:26 PM
It does not matter, you have to show +ve outlook, to perform and brings results - this is key to survival. Well, it is too personal, but:
- I give one hour to body, mediatation, exercise, yoga
- Sometimes I go to temple, spend 10-15 minutes
**********
**********
As I mentioned, it is personal, different people will have different approach, as everyone is steering through. I am not sure how much it is going to help - sharing of information on this front.
- I give one hour to body, mediatation, exercise, yoga
- Sometimes I go to temple, spend 10-15 minutes
**********
**********
As I mentioned, it is personal, different people will have different approach, as everyone is steering through. I am not sure how much it is going to help - sharing of information on this front.
more...
pictures ig sean i do it shirt. ig
mundada
07-09 03:45 PM
Hi,
I talked to Washington Post journalist. She asked me about my life in US. Do I regret being in US? What is the problem with current US immigration system? Why send flowers? Which flowers?
Cheers
I talked to Washington Post journalist. She asked me about my life in US. Do I regret being in US? What is the problem with current US immigration system? Why send flowers? Which flowers?
Cheers
dresses ig sean i do it shirt.
sandy_anand
11-17 03:05 PM
Please contact members of congress by clicking on the action alert below.
It will only take less than a minute for you. We are requesting adding amendments in the DREAM Act coming up. This campaign will help the DC advocacy work we are doing on this bill.
ImmigrationVoice.org - Advocacy -- DREAM Act: Help the Legal Immigrants (http://immigrationvoice.capwiz.com/immigrationvoice/issues/alert/?alertid=19787501)
Please spread the word everywhere for more participation
Please post on this thread once you have sent the email. Keep this thread up for the next few days.
Done! Thanks!
It will only take less than a minute for you. We are requesting adding amendments in the DREAM Act coming up. This campaign will help the DC advocacy work we are doing on this bill.
ImmigrationVoice.org - Advocacy -- DREAM Act: Help the Legal Immigrants (http://immigrationvoice.capwiz.com/immigrationvoice/issues/alert/?alertid=19787501)
Please spread the word everywhere for more participation
Please post on this thread once you have sent the email. Keep this thread up for the next few days.
Done! Thanks!
more...
makeup wife lt;3 amp; Big Sean is my
trueguy
04-30 06:01 PM
Not sure about the GreenCard Application because the link is not working. However, USCIS has shown significant improvement in handling H1B application for this year. They conducted lottory for 163K application in just one week and also honoring the premium processing timeframe.
Thanks.
Thanks.
girlfriend ig sean i do it shirt.
aroranuj
03-02 03:48 PM
^^^BUMP^^^ Guys please continue contributing...
hairstyles I do have a couple instances,
caydee
07-09 11:16 AM
A news article from San Jose Mercury News...........
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_6331029?nclick_check=1
(apologies for posting this here. I couldnt find the link to News Article Thread - 3. Moderators please move this to the right thread)
IMMIGRATION REFORM'S COLLAPSE GETS FIRMS LOOKING ABROAD
By Frank Davies
MediaNews Washington Bureau
Article Launched: 07/09/2007 01:29:41 AM PDT
WASHINGTON - Reeling from the collapse of a massive immigration bill, major tech firms plan to press for more visas and green cards for foreign workers - one element of the failed legislation - but admit they face political resistance and an uncertain future.
"We face a serious problem this year, Congress knows that, and we just have to keep pushing," said Robert Hoffman, an Oracle lobbyist. He said restrictive caps on H-1B and L visas for skilled workers and the long waiting time for green cards for some were limiting companies' growth and sending some jobs overseas.
But Ralph Hellmann, who lobbied on the Senate bill for the Information Technology Industry trade group, sounded an upbeat note. He said a separate measure increasing visas and green cards "is probably a better product now that we don't have to ride on a compre hensive bill."
Hoffman, who co-chairs Compete America, a coalition of businesses seeking immigration reform, said he hopes to meet with key congressional leaders on the issue, including Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., sponsor of the failed Senate bill, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the San Jose Democrat who chairs the immigration subcommittee in the House.
"We'll have to see what's in the realm of the doable, whether it's long-term or a stop-gap," Hoffman said.
Lofgren sounded a note of caution Friday, saying progress on any component of the comprehensive bill may be difficult.
"We're in an assessment phase right now, and I don't know what can proceed - that's up to a very diverse group of people in the House and Senate," she said. Other provisions of the failed immigration bill have champions who now see an opening for separate legislation.
Taking separate action
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, said the shortage in farm labor is a crisis that means her "ag jobs" proposal for more foreign workers "should be moved before any other immigration-related legislation."
She said she will work with Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, a co-sponsor, and industry and farmworker groups to push soon for that bill.
Lofgren said "there's a compelling case for the Dream Act," another part of the comprehensive bill that would allow some children of illegal immigrants to achieve legal status and make it easier to enter college or the military.
Several South Bay students last week launched a fast to show their support for the Dream Act, and they demonstrated Tuesday in front of Lofgren's San Jose office.
Immigration hard-liners who oppose any legalization process for undocumented workers said the failure of the Senate bill shows the need to improve border security and workplace enforcement.
Rep. Brian Bilbray, a San Diego Republican who chairs the House Immigration Reform Caucus, said a congressional consensus exists to pursue those goals this year.
Workforce in jeopardy
Meanwhile, thousands of highly skilled visa-holders who filed paperwork last month for green cards had a more immediate problem this week. Because of a dispute between the State Department and Immigration Services, and a huge backlog of applications, they were told no more green cards are available this year.
Large employers, including some in the tech sector, were told this year by the Bush administration to help pass the overall bill to secure some of their key goals. Those include almost doubling the number of H-1B visas to 115,000 a year, exempting 40,000 people with higher degrees from any restrictions, and speeding up the employer-based green card system for workers already here.
With the demise of the bill and uncertainty over future immigration, some California companies may shift operations to other countries, Lofgren said. Microsoft announced plans Thursday to open a software development center in Vancouver, British Columbia, which would "allow the company to recruit and retain highly skilled people affected by the immigration issues in the U.S."
In 2006, Microsoft secured 3,117 H-1B visas for its workers - the third-highest total - according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Lou Gellos, a Microsoft spokesman, said immigration uncertainty was "an issue, but not the defining reason" for opening the Canada center.
Criticism has also mounted over abuses and fraud in the H-1B visa system.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., citing government surveys, said that "job shops" and other brokers were misusing the system to bypass U.S. workers, bring in foreign workers for substandard wages, and outsource some jobs.
"Our immigration policy should seek to complement our U.S. workforce, not replace it," Durbin said last month during the Senate debate.
System left in limbo
After behind-the-scenes negotiations, tech companies acceded to some of the proposals from Durbin and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, to improve oversight and enforcement of the H-1B program by the Department of Labor. All companies would have to pledge to seek U.S. workers first for openings, and if an employer's visa-holders who are paid entry-level wages exceeded 30 percent of its workforce, a Labor Department audit would be automatic.
That agreement is now in limbo. If a serious push for an increase in visas makes progress, Durbin would want to include his proposals, an aide said.
Hoffman said tech representatives would agree to more enforcement "that is not punitive."
Lofgren, who represents tech executives and workers, said she could support "reforms and changes" in the visa system.
"It needs a good review - I've never thought that just increasing the numbers was in the cards," she said.
Contact Frank Davies at fdavies@mercurynews.com or (202) 662-8921.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_6331029?nclick_check=1
(apologies for posting this here. I couldnt find the link to News Article Thread - 3. Moderators please move this to the right thread)
IMMIGRATION REFORM'S COLLAPSE GETS FIRMS LOOKING ABROAD
By Frank Davies
MediaNews Washington Bureau
Article Launched: 07/09/2007 01:29:41 AM PDT
WASHINGTON - Reeling from the collapse of a massive immigration bill, major tech firms plan to press for more visas and green cards for foreign workers - one element of the failed legislation - but admit they face political resistance and an uncertain future.
"We face a serious problem this year, Congress knows that, and we just have to keep pushing," said Robert Hoffman, an Oracle lobbyist. He said restrictive caps on H-1B and L visas for skilled workers and the long waiting time for green cards for some were limiting companies' growth and sending some jobs overseas.
But Ralph Hellmann, who lobbied on the Senate bill for the Information Technology Industry trade group, sounded an upbeat note. He said a separate measure increasing visas and green cards "is probably a better product now that we don't have to ride on a compre hensive bill."
Hoffman, who co-chairs Compete America, a coalition of businesses seeking immigration reform, said he hopes to meet with key congressional leaders on the issue, including Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., sponsor of the failed Senate bill, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the San Jose Democrat who chairs the immigration subcommittee in the House.
"We'll have to see what's in the realm of the doable, whether it's long-term or a stop-gap," Hoffman said.
Lofgren sounded a note of caution Friday, saying progress on any component of the comprehensive bill may be difficult.
"We're in an assessment phase right now, and I don't know what can proceed - that's up to a very diverse group of people in the House and Senate," she said. Other provisions of the failed immigration bill have champions who now see an opening for separate legislation.
Taking separate action
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, said the shortage in farm labor is a crisis that means her "ag jobs" proposal for more foreign workers "should be moved before any other immigration-related legislation."
She said she will work with Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, a co-sponsor, and industry and farmworker groups to push soon for that bill.
Lofgren said "there's a compelling case for the Dream Act," another part of the comprehensive bill that would allow some children of illegal immigrants to achieve legal status and make it easier to enter college or the military.
Several South Bay students last week launched a fast to show their support for the Dream Act, and they demonstrated Tuesday in front of Lofgren's San Jose office.
Immigration hard-liners who oppose any legalization process for undocumented workers said the failure of the Senate bill shows the need to improve border security and workplace enforcement.
Rep. Brian Bilbray, a San Diego Republican who chairs the House Immigration Reform Caucus, said a congressional consensus exists to pursue those goals this year.
Workforce in jeopardy
Meanwhile, thousands of highly skilled visa-holders who filed paperwork last month for green cards had a more immediate problem this week. Because of a dispute between the State Department and Immigration Services, and a huge backlog of applications, they were told no more green cards are available this year.
Large employers, including some in the tech sector, were told this year by the Bush administration to help pass the overall bill to secure some of their key goals. Those include almost doubling the number of H-1B visas to 115,000 a year, exempting 40,000 people with higher degrees from any restrictions, and speeding up the employer-based green card system for workers already here.
With the demise of the bill and uncertainty over future immigration, some California companies may shift operations to other countries, Lofgren said. Microsoft announced plans Thursday to open a software development center in Vancouver, British Columbia, which would "allow the company to recruit and retain highly skilled people affected by the immigration issues in the U.S."
In 2006, Microsoft secured 3,117 H-1B visas for its workers - the third-highest total - according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Lou Gellos, a Microsoft spokesman, said immigration uncertainty was "an issue, but not the defining reason" for opening the Canada center.
Criticism has also mounted over abuses and fraud in the H-1B visa system.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., citing government surveys, said that "job shops" and other brokers were misusing the system to bypass U.S. workers, bring in foreign workers for substandard wages, and outsource some jobs.
"Our immigration policy should seek to complement our U.S. workforce, not replace it," Durbin said last month during the Senate debate.
System left in limbo
After behind-the-scenes negotiations, tech companies acceded to some of the proposals from Durbin and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, to improve oversight and enforcement of the H-1B program by the Department of Labor. All companies would have to pledge to seek U.S. workers first for openings, and if an employer's visa-holders who are paid entry-level wages exceeded 30 percent of its workforce, a Labor Department audit would be automatic.
That agreement is now in limbo. If a serious push for an increase in visas makes progress, Durbin would want to include his proposals, an aide said.
Hoffman said tech representatives would agree to more enforcement "that is not punitive."
Lofgren, who represents tech executives and workers, said she could support "reforms and changes" in the visa system.
"It needs a good review - I've never thought that just increasing the numbers was in the cards," she said.
Contact Frank Davies at fdavies@mercurynews.com or (202) 662-8921.
beppenyc
06-21 04:18 PM
Answering for Logiclife, whose time zone is a couple hours behind.
CIR will likely not be VOTED dead. There just will not be anything done about naming a Conference committee. If a committee is indeed named, but they don't produce a report in 2-3 weeks, then CIR would be deemed dead.
The bottom line is, if nothing happens by the end of July, CIR will likely be dead.
We will be looking at other options much before the end of July. The problem for us is that no other legislation will be considered before the end of July.
Well, hearing is in august, that means that the CIR for this year is dead.
CIR will likely not be VOTED dead. There just will not be anything done about naming a Conference committee. If a committee is indeed named, but they don't produce a report in 2-3 weeks, then CIR would be deemed dead.
The bottom line is, if nothing happens by the end of July, CIR will likely be dead.
We will be looking at other options much before the end of July. The problem for us is that no other legislation will be considered before the end of July.
Well, hearing is in august, that means that the CIR for this year is dead.
nishanttambe
02-14 07:21 PM
Contributed $50.
Receipt No: 4918-8142-6470-4625
Receipt No: 4918-8142-6470-4625
No comments:
Post a Comment