sush
07-09 01:06 PM
Mine is TSC peding since May 2006.
Upgraded to PP on Jun 19th 2007, no updates yet.
Upgraded to PP on Jun 19th 2007, no updates yet.
wallpaper Garrett Hedlund, who stars
PERM12
10-25 07:01 PM
Will USCIS release updated Pending I-485 numbers as published that they will do every quarter....
senthil1
07-12 12:01 AM
Various conspiracy theories are
1. They made all PD current for July to encourage legal immigrants to support CIR. CIR is failed they backed out on July. But it has weak argument as they moved PD for about 2 years in previous month.
2. They made PD current based on rules and regulations as 60k Visa was available. But USCIS may lose fees increase so they backed out to get more revenue. If this is correct they will make all PD current in Oct 2007. But I do not think this will be reason as just for more money for Organization anyone will risk their career. If anyone gets personal financial gain then they might do but here there is no chance for that
3. Because first 2 weeks of June not much approvals of I485 DOS made all PD current. But when USCIS started approving cases they realized that there were enough applications already and alerted DOS and DOS issued revised VB
4. USCIS does not want flooding of I485 applications as that will be shown up as backlog. To prevent that they asked DOS to issue revised VB
There is going to be 3 important questions in Lawsuit(If court accepts lawsuit for consideration) or congress hearing(if happens)
1. Whether DOS or USCIS violated law in issuing revised VB.
2. Whether they violated law in bypassing FBI check for applications to make Visa numbers unavailable
3. Why they could not accept the I485 applications based on First VB? What is the need for issuing revised VB?
If this is true it's really horrible and scary that this gov. agency is handling our applications.
1. They made all PD current for July to encourage legal immigrants to support CIR. CIR is failed they backed out on July. But it has weak argument as they moved PD for about 2 years in previous month.
2. They made PD current based on rules and regulations as 60k Visa was available. But USCIS may lose fees increase so they backed out to get more revenue. If this is correct they will make all PD current in Oct 2007. But I do not think this will be reason as just for more money for Organization anyone will risk their career. If anyone gets personal financial gain then they might do but here there is no chance for that
3. Because first 2 weeks of June not much approvals of I485 DOS made all PD current. But when USCIS started approving cases they realized that there were enough applications already and alerted DOS and DOS issued revised VB
4. USCIS does not want flooding of I485 applications as that will be shown up as backlog. To prevent that they asked DOS to issue revised VB
There is going to be 3 important questions in Lawsuit(If court accepts lawsuit for consideration) or congress hearing(if happens)
1. Whether DOS or USCIS violated law in issuing revised VB.
2. Whether they violated law in bypassing FBI check for applications to make Visa numbers unavailable
3. Why they could not accept the I485 applications based on First VB? What is the need for issuing revised VB?
If this is true it's really horrible and scary that this gov. agency is handling our applications.
2011 Garrett Hedlund chatted about
krishgreen
05-25 11:30 PM
Thanks for sharing your experience.I have appt on Thursday May 27th. I am carrying all the documents with me including the letter from my project manager.
Also, did VO asked any specific questions about employee & employer relationship if you are working for a small consulting firm.
When you say VO asked about Employment verification letter, does he mean letter from the client or letter from your employer confirming your employment and salary details?
Chicagobuddy: I will share my experience once I attend interview on May 27th.
Also, did VO asked any specific questions about employee & employer relationship if you are working for a small consulting firm.
When you say VO asked about Employment verification letter, does he mean letter from the client or letter from your employer confirming your employment and salary details?
Chicagobuddy: I will share my experience once I attend interview on May 27th.
more...
avi101
04-12 04:41 PM
I don't think the flaw is with Labor substitution per se. The problem is with the assignment of labor's original priority date to the new substituted alien.
An individual gets attached to the labor at the I140 stage, and thats the date they should use for substituted labor applications. This along with Perm's (ideal) processing times would make labor substitution insignificant.
Source:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-1248.htm
From above Source:
---------------------
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the
proposed rule on or before April 14, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Regulatory
Information Number (RIN) 1205-AB42, by any of the following methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the Web site instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: Comments may be submitted by e-mail to
fraud.comments@dol.gov. Include RIN 1205-AB42 in the subject line of
the message.
An individual gets attached to the labor at the I140 stage, and thats the date they should use for substituted labor applications. This along with Perm's (ideal) processing times would make labor substitution insignificant.
Source:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-1248.htm
From above Source:
---------------------
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the
proposed rule on or before April 14, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Regulatory
Information Number (RIN) 1205-AB42, by any of the following methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the Web site instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: Comments may be submitted by e-mail to
fraud.comments@dol.gov. Include RIN 1205-AB42 in the subject line of
the message.
Bpositive
01-02 01:59 AM
Happy New Year!
My new year begins with another immigration issue..need some urgent advice.
My wife went to the US Consulate in Chennai today for her first time H-1 stamping. She completed her Phd in Biology from the US and has been working for almost a year for a US biotech company. The consular officer has asked her to submit additional information -221(g); mostly about her job and the company. I can't understand it! Most of the information asked has already been submitted to the INS in reponse to a H-1 RFE.
My wife has an Advance Parole document and EAD based on my I-485 application.
Can you suggest options for her?
1. can she forget about the H-1, not respond to the 221(g) and travel back on advance parole and start working on EAD?
2. If after submission of 221(g) her visa gets rejected, can she still use the Advance Parole to travel to US and work on her EAD?
3. Any other options/advice?
My new year begins with another immigration issue..need some urgent advice.
My wife went to the US Consulate in Chennai today for her first time H-1 stamping. She completed her Phd in Biology from the US and has been working for almost a year for a US biotech company. The consular officer has asked her to submit additional information -221(g); mostly about her job and the company. I can't understand it! Most of the information asked has already been submitted to the INS in reponse to a H-1 RFE.
My wife has an Advance Parole document and EAD based on my I-485 application.
Can you suggest options for her?
1. can she forget about the H-1, not respond to the 221(g) and travel back on advance parole and start working on EAD?
2. If after submission of 221(g) her visa gets rejected, can she still use the Advance Parole to travel to US and work on her EAD?
3. Any other options/advice?
more...
chmur
09-21 01:46 AM
What is it anyway?
That's what one feels like
That's what one feels like
2010 garrett hedlund american
thomachan72
03-30 10:08 AM
talk with the senator or other political people. with elections fast approaching they might be willing to help out. :D:D:D
more...
invincibleasian
01-31 12:28 PM
guys please quit all this begging. If yu guys need help do your research or contact an immigration attorney!
hair Garrett Hedlund in quot;Four
hmehta
09-07 11:59 AM
Same thing happened with me - since graduation I have been in the same company for 5 yrs, still as far as labor is concerned it is considered MS+0 yrs( i was very very disappointed on learning that), but changing job to get EB-2 just for this cause is a bit of over-reaction (assuming you are happy in ur current job).
I am in great need of some suggestions. I hold a MS degree in computer science and graduate in 2004 dec. Since then I have been with the same employer.
Now that he is filing for my LC. Is it difficult to get through with MS+0yrs of expereince ?
Also, at this point of time i have found other employers who is willing to do my GC in which case I will have MS+2 yrs of expereince.
Is it worth changing employer for gaining 2 yrs of expereince for my LC.
Does this really make my case more stronger ? or I am just OVER REACTING ? and doing unneccessary thing
DOES THE EXPEREINCE with MS makes it better for EB2 ?
Please let me know if there are some experts out there
I am in great need of some suggestions. I hold a MS degree in computer science and graduate in 2004 dec. Since then I have been with the same employer.
Now that he is filing for my LC. Is it difficult to get through with MS+0yrs of expereince ?
Also, at this point of time i have found other employers who is willing to do my GC in which case I will have MS+2 yrs of expereince.
Is it worth changing employer for gaining 2 yrs of expereince for my LC.
Does this really make my case more stronger ? or I am just OVER REACTING ? and doing unneccessary thing
DOES THE EXPEREINCE with MS makes it better for EB2 ?
Please let me know if there are some experts out there
more...
insbaby
06-12 10:18 AM
Hi,
While in the process of filing for labor certification my company has found 2 suitable citizens who are eligible for the job.
Now what are my options going forward and how does this affect my chances of a successful PERM filing ??
I'm filing in EB3 category right now. Also I need to file for labor before oct since my H1 will expire its original 6 year length next Oct (Oct 2010).
It appears that you have not realized that you have been admitted in this country for work because there was no US Citizen available to do the same work.
As you have agreed that two US Citizens are available, you must give them the oppertunity.
If not, not only you are but your company is also in trouble.
While in the process of filing for labor certification my company has found 2 suitable citizens who are eligible for the job.
Now what are my options going forward and how does this affect my chances of a successful PERM filing ??
I'm filing in EB3 category right now. Also I need to file for labor before oct since my H1 will expire its original 6 year length next Oct (Oct 2010).
It appears that you have not realized that you have been admitted in this country for work because there was no US Citizen available to do the same work.
As you have agreed that two US Citizens are available, you must give them the oppertunity.
If not, not only you are but your company is also in trouble.
hot Garrett Hedlund Photo. Four
thomachan72
04-12 08:28 AM
Hi guys,
I am a new bie but in deep trouble,
My case is like this
Have valid I-797 - till - Jan 16,2009 ( now expired right )
Valid I-94 - till -Jan 24 , 2009 ( now expired right )
Applied for extension in --- Sept 2008( 5months before I-94 expiry date)
Applied for premium in -- Feb 26, 2009
RFE -- Mar 2, 2009
Denied -- Mar 31,2009
Trying to transfer my H1- to another product company under premium.
I heard if you appeal the denial, you cant file the transfer, so i dont want to appeal,
Please correct me if this is incorrect ???? gurus please help me,
As I know I dont have any status but denial letter says appeal with in 33 days.
Consulted PRODUCT COMPANY ATTERNEY , said you can stay up till 30 days.
Is it possible to transfer with out appeal or MTR for the current denial ?
Please advice, as I am already running out of time....
thanks
jvs
very sorry to hear about that. why dont you go for an apeal? what was the reason for denial? what was the RFE for? was this your first extension? give us more details to analyze the situation.
I am a new bie but in deep trouble,
My case is like this
Have valid I-797 - till - Jan 16,2009 ( now expired right )
Valid I-94 - till -Jan 24 , 2009 ( now expired right )
Applied for extension in --- Sept 2008( 5months before I-94 expiry date)
Applied for premium in -- Feb 26, 2009
RFE -- Mar 2, 2009
Denied -- Mar 31,2009
Trying to transfer my H1- to another product company under premium.
I heard if you appeal the denial, you cant file the transfer, so i dont want to appeal,
Please correct me if this is incorrect ???? gurus please help me,
As I know I dont have any status but denial letter says appeal with in 33 days.
Consulted PRODUCT COMPANY ATTERNEY , said you can stay up till 30 days.
Is it possible to transfer with out appeal or MTR for the current denial ?
Please advice, as I am already running out of time....
thanks
jvs
very sorry to hear about that. why dont you go for an apeal? what was the reason for denial? what was the RFE for? was this your first extension? give us more details to analyze the situation.
more...
house Garrett Hedlund as Leonardo:
chanduv23
03-16 08:55 AM
hopein07........do you know if one has to pass the evaluating exam first to get a Statement of Need from Canada for j1?...
Whats is the connection between "J1 Visa" and Canada?
Whats is the connection between "J1 Visa" and Canada?
tattoo #Four Brothers #Garrett
WeShallOvercome
11-07 12:10 PM
If EB2 PD is 1 APR 2004 then what does the ProcessingTimeFrame Date(August 25, 2006) mean for I-485 in Texas Service Center.
Can anyone clarify. Guys exuse my Ignorance...I just want to know the rule
sury,
What that means is "All applications received before August 25, 2006 AND whose PD is current , are being processed"
If your PD is 2003 but you filed your I-485 after Aug'2006 your app will not be adjudicated.
If you filed before Aug'2006 but your PD is after Apr'2004, your app will not be adjudicated.
If your PD is before Apr'2004 and you filed your app before August 25, 2006, your app will be adjudicated..
This is to make sure people don't start expecting approvals and calling them left and right one day after filing if their PD is current. they need some time for every application, so they put in this 'processing date' which works in conjunction with 'priority date' to check if a case is approvable at any given time. They normally won't entertain calls enquiring about a case if the filing date does not fall within this processing date.
Can anyone clarify. Guys exuse my Ignorance...I just want to know the rule
sury,
What that means is "All applications received before August 25, 2006 AND whose PD is current , are being processed"
If your PD is 2003 but you filed your I-485 after Aug'2006 your app will not be adjudicated.
If you filed before Aug'2006 but your PD is after Apr'2004, your app will not be adjudicated.
If your PD is before Apr'2004 and you filed your app before August 25, 2006, your app will be adjudicated..
This is to make sure people don't start expecting approvals and calling them left and right one day after filing if their PD is current. they need some time for every application, so they put in this 'processing date' which works in conjunction with 'priority date' to check if a case is approvable at any given time. They normally won't entertain calls enquiring about a case if the filing date does not fall within this processing date.
more...
pictures garrett hedlund
for_gc
04-27 04:55 PM
First of all, no need to be so concerned. Also this is not unique situation.
Just apply for I140 for the EB3 (the labor you just got approved).
Once you get the EB3 I140 approved, you have 2 ways to port the PD:
1. Wait for EB2 to be corrent for year 2003(for the PD of your EB3). when its current, apply the 485 with your EB2 I140 and a copy of the EB3 I140 requesting the PD tarnsfer. Basically, your lawyer need to keep a cover letter in very bold letters that your application uses the PD of 2003 based on the EB3 I140 (copy of which need to be attached).
2. Send a request to the service center where your EB2 I140 is approved requesting to update your I140 approval notice with the new PD date. You need to send a copy of the EB3 I140.
The option 1 is the most commonly used procedure. How ever, if the PD is not current, you may use option 2. The option 2 may take time and the lawyer should send the PD transfering details in case of an RFE.
YOU NEED TO PROCEED WITH FILING THE I140 FOR THE EB3 AND WAIT FOR THE APPROVAL. THE PD CAN BE PORTED ONLY AFTER YOU GET THE EB3 I140 APPROVED.
My main concern though is with the chances of approval of I140 with EB3 category LC since I already got I140 approved in higher category (EB2) with the same company.
My company's lawyer said that since you already have I140 approved for EB2 category it is not possible or easy or risky (can't remember exactly what she said) to justify why we are going down from EB3 category to EB2 category.
Just apply for I140 for the EB3 (the labor you just got approved).
Once you get the EB3 I140 approved, you have 2 ways to port the PD:
1. Wait for EB2 to be corrent for year 2003(for the PD of your EB3). when its current, apply the 485 with your EB2 I140 and a copy of the EB3 I140 requesting the PD tarnsfer. Basically, your lawyer need to keep a cover letter in very bold letters that your application uses the PD of 2003 based on the EB3 I140 (copy of which need to be attached).
2. Send a request to the service center where your EB2 I140 is approved requesting to update your I140 approval notice with the new PD date. You need to send a copy of the EB3 I140.
The option 1 is the most commonly used procedure. How ever, if the PD is not current, you may use option 2. The option 2 may take time and the lawyer should send the PD transfering details in case of an RFE.
YOU NEED TO PROCEED WITH FILING THE I140 FOR THE EB3 AND WAIT FOR THE APPROVAL. THE PD CAN BE PORTED ONLY AFTER YOU GET THE EB3 I140 APPROVED.
My main concern though is with the chances of approval of I140 with EB3 category LC since I already got I140 approved in higher category (EB2) with the same company.
My company's lawyer said that since you already have I140 approved for EB2 category it is not possible or easy or risky (can't remember exactly what she said) to justify why we are going down from EB3 category to EB2 category.
dresses Garrett Hedlund says he
kprgroup
08-03 12:57 PM
Yes forwarded the copy to the lawyer this morning.I have an appointment with lawyer Friday morning regarding this..So for lawyer office didn't received anything from uscis.
Here is my backround
1)Worked for Company A from 2003 to 2008.
2)Company A applied I-140 and approved April 2006. AOS 485 filed on July 2007. Got EAD but never used it
3)September 2008 I have Joined employer “B” by transferring H1B (Valid until Aug 21st 2010).
4)Employer A revoked 140 which triggered 485 denials in October 2008.
5)Applied MTR and it was approved in NOVEMBER 2008 and 485 re-opened.
This is the only major concern I have.Though I have approved MTR and 485 re-opened, but my online status of 485 still showing denied.
My AP approved last month.......my wife EAD,AP approved last month.I am the primary..strange
I know I have moderate control over this situation.Just having good faith & hope.This whole thing H1-B,DL,GC,EAD,AP & visa stamping ..etc what a pain for some people.Very sad.For uscis error(485 denial wrongly) I am not only lost money( closee to 5k) also lost "n" no of days of sleep back in 2008 and now :mad:
Thanks
KPR
Here is my backround
1)Worked for Company A from 2003 to 2008.
2)Company A applied I-140 and approved April 2006. AOS 485 filed on July 2007. Got EAD but never used it
3)September 2008 I have Joined employer “B” by transferring H1B (Valid until Aug 21st 2010).
4)Employer A revoked 140 which triggered 485 denials in October 2008.
5)Applied MTR and it was approved in NOVEMBER 2008 and 485 re-opened.
This is the only major concern I have.Though I have approved MTR and 485 re-opened, but my online status of 485 still showing denied.
My AP approved last month.......my wife EAD,AP approved last month.I am the primary..strange
I know I have moderate control over this situation.Just having good faith & hope.This whole thing H1-B,DL,GC,EAD,AP & visa stamping ..etc what a pain for some people.Very sad.For uscis error(485 denial wrongly) I am not only lost money( closee to 5k) also lost "n" no of days of sleep back in 2008 and now :mad:
Thanks
KPR
more...
makeup Garrett Hedlund has played
alterego
03-24 07:53 PM
Well done Mark, I think you presented our case very well.
There are a lot of stereotypes and misunderstandings of the facts around this issue.
It makes me realise just what a disservice those like Lou Dobbs and his ilk do to both the debate over this issue as well at to the future of this country that those like us can only benefit.
Ron Hira though he is wrong on his position can atleast acknowledge the need for more green cards. The extreme right is just fundamentally messed up in their head, and would gladly go back to becoming Hamish in the city!
There are a lot of stereotypes and misunderstandings of the facts around this issue.
It makes me realise just what a disservice those like Lou Dobbs and his ilk do to both the debate over this issue as well at to the future of this country that those like us can only benefit.
Ron Hira though he is wrong on his position can atleast acknowledge the need for more green cards. The extreme right is just fundamentally messed up in their head, and would gladly go back to becoming Hamish in the city!
girlfriend Titles: Four Brothers
Rockford
07-17 02:23 PM
What's the point of starting a new thread to throw in your opinion?
Servers and all members are already very stressed.
To begin with, it is not my opinion. It is an excerpt from other web site and I gave the link.
This is new thread because it is different info than the popular belief here that there is going to be a definite relief.
Hope you understand :)
Servers and all members are already very stressed.
To begin with, it is not my opinion. It is an excerpt from other web site and I gave the link.
This is new thread because it is different info than the popular belief here that there is going to be a definite relief.
Hope you understand :)
hairstyles garrett hedlund 4 brothers.
maine_gc
04-20 10:41 AM
Hi,
My in-laws came to US last Firday along with my kid who is a US citizen.
Their passport has a stamp that says Admitted on Apr 17 at Chicago, Class B2 and "Until" is blank. There should be a date that tells they can stay until this date.
What are my options now. Do i need to let it go or contact some one and bring it to their notice etc..
Any help is appreciated
My in-laws came to US last Firday along with my kid who is a US citizen.
Their passport has a stamp that says Admitted on Apr 17 at Chicago, Class B2 and "Until" is blank. There should be a date that tells they can stay until this date.
What are my options now. Do i need to let it go or contact some one and bring it to their notice etc..
Any help is appreciated
sertasheep
07-05 05:27 PM
syzygy, can you please update your profile with your telephone number? i'd like to talk to you about your experience with 07/02
Blog Feeds
06-27 06:50 PM
AILA Leadership Has Just Posted the Following:
President Obama and Congress members met privately at the White House on Thursday for their first major discussion of immigration reform. A Way Forward on Immigration (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/27/opinion/27sat1.html). New York Times Editorial June 27, 2009. President Obama has a lot on his plate dealing with the economy, health and energy but his approach to immigration reform indicates a clear grasp of the complex dynamic needed to win the battle. The need to reform our immigration laws now could not be more immediate or urgent. There is a crisis in immigration and the need to fix this mess has never been more critical. Immigration raids in our communities and our factories, along with the horrific conditions of detention, have created dread and anxiety within our immigrant population. The process of obtaining lawful status has become unreasonably difficult, and there are few options for the millions of immigrants, many of whom have deep roots here, but entered without visas or have expired visas. Millions of these people have U.S. citizen spouses and children, but no path to legalization. Despite decades of living in the U.S., and contributing to our economy, and whether applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, the pattern is the same: restrictive adjudications coupled with outdated visa quotas that choke the system and make the attainment of lawful status virtually impossible. Whether applying through family or employment, the waiting lines are as protracted as they are preposterous. Many with advanced degrees wait for years and family visa waiting lines routinely extend a decade or longer. Due process protections that form the basis of our great democracy have been stripped from immigrants.
President Obama told a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week that Congress should begin debating a comprehensive immigration by year�s end or early next year, but Republicans said they would support a measure only if it included an expansion of guest worker programs. Republicans Focus on Guest Workers in Immigration Debate (javascript:popup(). The White House released President Obama's remarks following a meeting on June 25, 2009 with congressional leaders to discuss immigration reform, in which he expresses his administration's support for CIR and indicates a clear understanding of the issues and how to fix them. President Obama's Remarks Following June 25 Meeting on Immigration Reform with Congressional Leaders (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29384)
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) understand immigration in a way that only a doctor understands medical ailments or an engineer understands building bridges. We know the issues from a deep perspective and not merely from an emotional view. We believe that a sensible comprehensive immigration reform package will have to include smart enforcement, a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living and working in the U.S., elimination of family and employment-based visa backlogs, adequate visas to meet the needs of U.S. families and businesses, a new visa program for essential workers, and due process protections to restore the rule of law in our immigration adjudications and courts. AILA Welcomes Obama's Proactive Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29372).
The current immigration system is broken and to allow the status quo to continue will only make things worse for the country. Until Congress deals responsibly with immigration - making taxpayers out of all immigrants, making all employers follow sensible rules, and creating a functioning legal immigration system - everything else on the President's domestic agenda is vulnerable to being dragged down. This is the year and this is the moment for a popular President to work with Congress to address a national issue in a way that benefits the American people and our economy. The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released a new housing report which notes, �immigrants could be a key element to recovery." Immigration Impact, June 26, 2009, Immigrant Homebuyers Play Crucial Role in Housing Market Revival (javascript:popup(). The president announced that he has charged DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano with leading a bipartisan, bicameral working group to help negotiate and move a legislative package later this year, and those of us who have been championing immigration reform�and who have been training for this day�are off to the races (http://www.americanprogress.org/pressroom/statements/2009/06/White_House_immigration_meeting_statement062509.ht ml). President Kicks Off Immigration Reform (javascript:popup()"The White House meeting yesterday demonstrated that the question is no longer whether reform is necessary or whether it can be achieved this Congress. Those questions were answered squarely in the affirmative." Center for American Progress (CAP), June 26, 2009.
The CAP report articulates five principles for responsible immigration reform grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. The nation�s broken immigration system undermines our core national values, disserves our economic and security interests, and diminishes our moral standing in the world. Congress has for years now overseen an explosion of expensive, ineffective enforcement policies that have wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, enriched criminal syndicates, divided families, disrupted communities, and battered local economies rather than confronting our failed policies with common sense solutions grounded in what is best for our nation. In short, Congress has sacrificed our national interest at the altar of a destined-to-fail, get-tough enforcement strategy.
Confronted with this crisis the United States is left with three options: 1) preserve the status quo�an option that no responsible policymaker would advance; 2) drive millions of workers and families out of our communities, which CAP estimates would run over $41 billion annually; or 3) embrace tough but fair and practical solutions.
The Center for American Progress correctly concludes that the status quo is untenable, mass deportation is contrary to our national interests and values, and the only viable approach is comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform would require immigrants to register and become legal, pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks.
Five key principles for reform should guide the president and Congress as they begin to reengage this pressing domestic priority. CAP�s principles for responsible immigration reform are grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. They are:
Resolve the status of the undocumented
It is morally and economically unacceptable for the wealthiest nation on earth to have 12 million people living and functioning in an underground economy in the United States. Our �shining city upon a hill� is casting a dark shadow over a large class of workers. These workers and their families are interwoven in our communities, yet they are proscribed from becoming full members of our society. Their labor enhances the nation�s competitiveness and enables economic growth, but their lack of legal status exposes them and their U.S. counterparts to manipulation and exploitation. Effective reform must require those living in the United States illegally to register, pay their full share of taxes, learn English, complete background checks, and earn the privilege of citizenship. The country will in turn benefit from an expanded tax base, a more robust rule of law, a workforce less vulnerable to exploitation, and a level playing field for all workers.
Enhance legal immigration channels and labor mobility
Globalization has made it increasingly more efficient to move capital, goods, and services across national borders. Yet legal channels facilitating movement of labor have not kept pace with this rapid development, even though immigration is an integral part of the American economy. The demands of global competitiveness require increased overall levels of legal immigration. Immigrants serve important roles in the success of the nation�s economy in boardrooms and corn fields, in Silicon Valley and the San Fernando Valley. Demographic trends show that an aging United States will need more workers across all occupation levels. Employment-based immigration and family-based immigration complement each other and should not be pitted against one another in a zero-sum game. Target levels should be adjusted to acknowledge that immigration is an engine of economic dynamism and to ensure that close families are not separated for years by outdated limitations. The United States must embrace the inevitable shift toward a well-regulated, legal, global labor market in order to retain our economic leadership.
Protect U.S. workers
Comprehensive immigration reform will benefit all U.S. workers. A program that brings undocumented immigrants out of the shadows will improve accountability for all employers. And a clear but rigorous path toward citizenship would diminish U.S. workers� vulnerability to unscrupulous employers. This creates fair, not exploitative, competition.
Any reforms must also protect American workers by safeguarding their ability to defend their rights, including the rights to change jobs freely and organize without fear, and to earn a fair wage. Millions of American workers are experiencing unemployment or underemployment in today�s economy, and we should strive to provide just wages for all workers and terminate policies that enable employers to participate in a race to the bottom of the wage ladder.
Foster an inclusive American identity
Our country�s identity is shaped by core values of equality, freedom, and opportunity. Immigration and the process of assimilation constantly tests and ultimately strengthens and deepens our commitment to those values. We must be vigilant, however, to ensure that newcomers have access to programs�language and civic education�that facilitate their integration into the nation�s social and cultural fabric. Naturalization, the cornerstone of integration and first step in civic participation for new citizens, must be accessible and encouraged.
Adopt smart enforcement policies and safeguards
The U.S. Border Patrol�s annual budget has more than quintupled since 1993 while the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States has tripled to approximately 12 million during that same time period. Militarization of the border has obviously failed as an immigration control strategy.
CAP has a clear grasp of the essential ingredients to reforming our immigration laws and the American public gets it. More than 80 percent (http://amvoice.3cdn.net/ea94778f39d6c895c3_zvm6beppq.pdf) of Americans across the country, across party lines, and across nearly all demographic cross-sections, want comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, makes employers accountable, and requires undocumented workers to register, learn English, and pay taxes.
The president and Congress must move forward on the path they laid out this week and the American public is clearly behind the popular president.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-1584438715913274381?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/06/immigration-reform-now-reality.html)
President Obama and Congress members met privately at the White House on Thursday for their first major discussion of immigration reform. A Way Forward on Immigration (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/27/opinion/27sat1.html). New York Times Editorial June 27, 2009. President Obama has a lot on his plate dealing with the economy, health and energy but his approach to immigration reform indicates a clear grasp of the complex dynamic needed to win the battle. The need to reform our immigration laws now could not be more immediate or urgent. There is a crisis in immigration and the need to fix this mess has never been more critical. Immigration raids in our communities and our factories, along with the horrific conditions of detention, have created dread and anxiety within our immigrant population. The process of obtaining lawful status has become unreasonably difficult, and there are few options for the millions of immigrants, many of whom have deep roots here, but entered without visas or have expired visas. Millions of these people have U.S. citizen spouses and children, but no path to legalization. Despite decades of living in the U.S., and contributing to our economy, and whether applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, the pattern is the same: restrictive adjudications coupled with outdated visa quotas that choke the system and make the attainment of lawful status virtually impossible. Whether applying through family or employment, the waiting lines are as protracted as they are preposterous. Many with advanced degrees wait for years and family visa waiting lines routinely extend a decade or longer. Due process protections that form the basis of our great democracy have been stripped from immigrants.
President Obama told a bipartisan group of lawmakers this week that Congress should begin debating a comprehensive immigration by year�s end or early next year, but Republicans said they would support a measure only if it included an expansion of guest worker programs. Republicans Focus on Guest Workers in Immigration Debate (javascript:popup(). The White House released President Obama's remarks following a meeting on June 25, 2009 with congressional leaders to discuss immigration reform, in which he expresses his administration's support for CIR and indicates a clear understanding of the issues and how to fix them. President Obama's Remarks Following June 25 Meeting on Immigration Reform with Congressional Leaders (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29384)
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) understand immigration in a way that only a doctor understands medical ailments or an engineer understands building bridges. We know the issues from a deep perspective and not merely from an emotional view. We believe that a sensible comprehensive immigration reform package will have to include smart enforcement, a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living and working in the U.S., elimination of family and employment-based visa backlogs, adequate visas to meet the needs of U.S. families and businesses, a new visa program for essential workers, and due process protections to restore the rule of law in our immigration adjudications and courts. AILA Welcomes Obama's Proactive Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year (http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=29372).
The current immigration system is broken and to allow the status quo to continue will only make things worse for the country. Until Congress deals responsibly with immigration - making taxpayers out of all immigrants, making all employers follow sensible rules, and creating a functioning legal immigration system - everything else on the President's domestic agenda is vulnerable to being dragged down. This is the year and this is the moment for a popular President to work with Congress to address a national issue in a way that benefits the American people and our economy. The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University released a new housing report which notes, �immigrants could be a key element to recovery." Immigration Impact, June 26, 2009, Immigrant Homebuyers Play Crucial Role in Housing Market Revival (javascript:popup(). The president announced that he has charged DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano with leading a bipartisan, bicameral working group to help negotiate and move a legislative package later this year, and those of us who have been championing immigration reform�and who have been training for this day�are off to the races (http://www.americanprogress.org/pressroom/statements/2009/06/White_House_immigration_meeting_statement062509.ht ml). President Kicks Off Immigration Reform (javascript:popup()"The White House meeting yesterday demonstrated that the question is no longer whether reform is necessary or whether it can be achieved this Congress. Those questions were answered squarely in the affirmative." Center for American Progress (CAP), June 26, 2009.
The CAP report articulates five principles for responsible immigration reform grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. The nation�s broken immigration system undermines our core national values, disserves our economic and security interests, and diminishes our moral standing in the world. Congress has for years now overseen an explosion of expensive, ineffective enforcement policies that have wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, enriched criminal syndicates, divided families, disrupted communities, and battered local economies rather than confronting our failed policies with common sense solutions grounded in what is best for our nation. In short, Congress has sacrificed our national interest at the altar of a destined-to-fail, get-tough enforcement strategy.
Confronted with this crisis the United States is left with three options: 1) preserve the status quo�an option that no responsible policymaker would advance; 2) drive millions of workers and families out of our communities, which CAP estimates would run over $41 billion annually; or 3) embrace tough but fair and practical solutions.
The Center for American Progress correctly concludes that the status quo is untenable, mass deportation is contrary to our national interests and values, and the only viable approach is comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform would require immigrants to register and become legal, pay taxes, learn English, and pass criminal background checks.
Five key principles for reform should guide the president and Congress as they begin to reengage this pressing domestic priority. CAP�s principles for responsible immigration reform are grounded in a belief that lasting solutions flow from policies that defend the bedrock American values of opportunity, equality, fairness, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. They are:
Resolve the status of the undocumented
It is morally and economically unacceptable for the wealthiest nation on earth to have 12 million people living and functioning in an underground economy in the United States. Our �shining city upon a hill� is casting a dark shadow over a large class of workers. These workers and their families are interwoven in our communities, yet they are proscribed from becoming full members of our society. Their labor enhances the nation�s competitiveness and enables economic growth, but their lack of legal status exposes them and their U.S. counterparts to manipulation and exploitation. Effective reform must require those living in the United States illegally to register, pay their full share of taxes, learn English, complete background checks, and earn the privilege of citizenship. The country will in turn benefit from an expanded tax base, a more robust rule of law, a workforce less vulnerable to exploitation, and a level playing field for all workers.
Enhance legal immigration channels and labor mobility
Globalization has made it increasingly more efficient to move capital, goods, and services across national borders. Yet legal channels facilitating movement of labor have not kept pace with this rapid development, even though immigration is an integral part of the American economy. The demands of global competitiveness require increased overall levels of legal immigration. Immigrants serve important roles in the success of the nation�s economy in boardrooms and corn fields, in Silicon Valley and the San Fernando Valley. Demographic trends show that an aging United States will need more workers across all occupation levels. Employment-based immigration and family-based immigration complement each other and should not be pitted against one another in a zero-sum game. Target levels should be adjusted to acknowledge that immigration is an engine of economic dynamism and to ensure that close families are not separated for years by outdated limitations. The United States must embrace the inevitable shift toward a well-regulated, legal, global labor market in order to retain our economic leadership.
Protect U.S. workers
Comprehensive immigration reform will benefit all U.S. workers. A program that brings undocumented immigrants out of the shadows will improve accountability for all employers. And a clear but rigorous path toward citizenship would diminish U.S. workers� vulnerability to unscrupulous employers. This creates fair, not exploitative, competition.
Any reforms must also protect American workers by safeguarding their ability to defend their rights, including the rights to change jobs freely and organize without fear, and to earn a fair wage. Millions of American workers are experiencing unemployment or underemployment in today�s economy, and we should strive to provide just wages for all workers and terminate policies that enable employers to participate in a race to the bottom of the wage ladder.
Foster an inclusive American identity
Our country�s identity is shaped by core values of equality, freedom, and opportunity. Immigration and the process of assimilation constantly tests and ultimately strengthens and deepens our commitment to those values. We must be vigilant, however, to ensure that newcomers have access to programs�language and civic education�that facilitate their integration into the nation�s social and cultural fabric. Naturalization, the cornerstone of integration and first step in civic participation for new citizens, must be accessible and encouraged.
Adopt smart enforcement policies and safeguards
The U.S. Border Patrol�s annual budget has more than quintupled since 1993 while the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States has tripled to approximately 12 million during that same time period. Militarization of the border has obviously failed as an immigration control strategy.
CAP has a clear grasp of the essential ingredients to reforming our immigration laws and the American public gets it. More than 80 percent (http://amvoice.3cdn.net/ea94778f39d6c895c3_zvm6beppq.pdf) of Americans across the country, across party lines, and across nearly all demographic cross-sections, want comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, makes employers accountable, and requires undocumented workers to register, learn English, and pay taxes.
The president and Congress must move forward on the path they laid out this week and the American public is clearly behind the popular president.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-1584438715913274381?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/06/immigration-reform-now-reality.html)
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