obviously
12-08 10:57 AM
- make sure that you identify yourself and your LEGAL status
- consider using following 'talking points' to reframe the dialog
- focus on these underlying interests to make it clear that the dialog has many facets and there is common ground with larger interests
- be personable, nice and kind
- good luck and all the best!!
In support of SKIL and other relief measures for High Skilled Immigrants:
NATIONAL & ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS - Will a capitalist country like America support the notion that a worker's 'country of origin' matters more on the job than 'meritrocracy, hard work and results'?
HARD TO BELIEVE? Just look at US companies and universities are unable to freely deploy and redeploy high skill knowledge workers that can help them meet the organizations' economic objectives and US competiteveness interests! Knowledge work knows no national boundaries. Preserve high skill work within the US regardless of workers' country of origin and help preserve high tax and social security contribution within the US!
CAPITALISM & FREE MARKETS - Will a democracy like America support the notion that 'indentured servitude' by highly skilled labor is acceptable in a nation of the 'brave and free' where notions of indentured servitude was outlawed in the 20th century?
HARD TO BELIEVE? Just look at H1B's stuck in companies and jobs for years with uncertainty where they cannot freely participate in the economic development and progress of this country. They are, for all practical purposes, tied to the yoke until their Green Cards are available.
HUMAN RIGHTS & WOMEN RIGHTS - Will a leading Human Rights supporter like America support the notion that 'women should be forced to sit at home' only because they are spouses of highly skilled labor and hence have to be 'forced to have babies because they are on a H4'?
HARD TO BELIEVE? Just look at women of H1B workers, many with advanced education and work experience, stuck at home and at risk for social, psychological and physiological degradation and abuse only because they are trapped within the 4 walls and cannot participate freely in the land of opportunity and hard work? They are, for all practical purposes, subject to the restrictions of the Middle-Ages women/wives that were forced out of opportunity and development.
It is EASY to get misled by hype and hyperbole when talking about immigration. For a land built by immigration, the very title cannot and should not become a lightening rod!
Respected elected official, I urge you, beg you, beseech of you to consider the net-economic value and social value that we, the highly skilled immigrant workforce continue to bring to the USA.
We seek neither entitlement nor social promotion
We seek no social service
We seek no special treatments
We just ask that you be aware of the above pain points and bring much needed relief to legal, law-abiding, tax-paying and country-loving knowledge workers and help retain their passion, energy, jobs and taxes within the USA!
History shows us that the nation was not built on artificial promises of protectionism. The spirit of bold vision, free adventure and hard work built this nation into its pre-eminent position. Will you, respected leader, help continue to cherish and support this hoary tradition?
- consider using following 'talking points' to reframe the dialog
- focus on these underlying interests to make it clear that the dialog has many facets and there is common ground with larger interests
- be personable, nice and kind
- good luck and all the best!!
In support of SKIL and other relief measures for High Skilled Immigrants:
NATIONAL & ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS - Will a capitalist country like America support the notion that a worker's 'country of origin' matters more on the job than 'meritrocracy, hard work and results'?
HARD TO BELIEVE? Just look at US companies and universities are unable to freely deploy and redeploy high skill knowledge workers that can help them meet the organizations' economic objectives and US competiteveness interests! Knowledge work knows no national boundaries. Preserve high skill work within the US regardless of workers' country of origin and help preserve high tax and social security contribution within the US!
CAPITALISM & FREE MARKETS - Will a democracy like America support the notion that 'indentured servitude' by highly skilled labor is acceptable in a nation of the 'brave and free' where notions of indentured servitude was outlawed in the 20th century?
HARD TO BELIEVE? Just look at H1B's stuck in companies and jobs for years with uncertainty where they cannot freely participate in the economic development and progress of this country. They are, for all practical purposes, tied to the yoke until their Green Cards are available.
HUMAN RIGHTS & WOMEN RIGHTS - Will a leading Human Rights supporter like America support the notion that 'women should be forced to sit at home' only because they are spouses of highly skilled labor and hence have to be 'forced to have babies because they are on a H4'?
HARD TO BELIEVE? Just look at women of H1B workers, many with advanced education and work experience, stuck at home and at risk for social, psychological and physiological degradation and abuse only because they are trapped within the 4 walls and cannot participate freely in the land of opportunity and hard work? They are, for all practical purposes, subject to the restrictions of the Middle-Ages women/wives that were forced out of opportunity and development.
It is EASY to get misled by hype and hyperbole when talking about immigration. For a land built by immigration, the very title cannot and should not become a lightening rod!
Respected elected official, I urge you, beg you, beseech of you to consider the net-economic value and social value that we, the highly skilled immigrant workforce continue to bring to the USA.
We seek neither entitlement nor social promotion
We seek no social service
We seek no special treatments
We just ask that you be aware of the above pain points and bring much needed relief to legal, law-abiding, tax-paying and country-loving knowledge workers and help retain their passion, energy, jobs and taxes within the USA!
History shows us that the nation was not built on artificial promises of protectionism. The spirit of bold vision, free adventure and hard work built this nation into its pre-eminent position. Will you, respected leader, help continue to cherish and support this hoary tradition?
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xela
11-20 09:10 AM
[QUOTE=PavanV;1128388] That said, i believe charity begins at home, one must take care of its own kith and kin before extending arms to others.
Now here is what you first said in your post before you edited it, this is what I got in my email:
" Being emotional is OK, but one must be pragmatic. If one wants communism please head to China. "
So you send me to China just because you did not like what I said.
Now how do you think the Chinese here feel about your oh so nice comment.
Really all I was trying to say is by talking the way he did above we dont make things better we just make it worse.
And guess what you saying charity begins at home, well then how can you blame the Americans that do that for being racist (oh lets not forget only against Indians because you are the only ones here from a foreign country)
,...they are not seeing it as that, they are just doing what you said putting themselves first and forgetting about the fact that a lot of us have been here for a long time built lifes had kids and that it is hardly fair to send us "home" now. Or about that some of us would open companies. Someone in need for food for their family does not think clearly they are emotional and scared!
Talk to them and about them with compassion and you might just turn the way they think. I have done so many times.
I am not saying what they do is right, but what you 2 said here isnt the way to go either in my opinion, you can go ahead and crucify me for it, thats fine. But I rather say what I think than sit there and be silent.
And in the end my message was mostly about the "it s all always against Indians" theme that seems to be so prominent lately....Do you really think you are the only ones and the rest of us doesnt count....well thanks for that.
Now here is what you first said in your post before you edited it, this is what I got in my email:
" Being emotional is OK, but one must be pragmatic. If one wants communism please head to China. "
So you send me to China just because you did not like what I said.
Now how do you think the Chinese here feel about your oh so nice comment.
Really all I was trying to say is by talking the way he did above we dont make things better we just make it worse.
And guess what you saying charity begins at home, well then how can you blame the Americans that do that for being racist (oh lets not forget only against Indians because you are the only ones here from a foreign country)
,...they are not seeing it as that, they are just doing what you said putting themselves first and forgetting about the fact that a lot of us have been here for a long time built lifes had kids and that it is hardly fair to send us "home" now. Or about that some of us would open companies. Someone in need for food for their family does not think clearly they are emotional and scared!
Talk to them and about them with compassion and you might just turn the way they think. I have done so many times.
I am not saying what they do is right, but what you 2 said here isnt the way to go either in my opinion, you can go ahead and crucify me for it, thats fine. But I rather say what I think than sit there and be silent.
And in the end my message was mostly about the "it s all always against Indians" theme that seems to be so prominent lately....Do you really think you are the only ones and the rest of us doesnt count....well thanks for that.
nonimmi
06-11 12:17 PM
pappu,
Can you please stop each such individual starting a new thread and misguide members. We have serious things to do and this guys are making it too annoying. I believe allowing all such people to start a new new thread is not a good idea.
thanks.
Can you please stop each such individual starting a new thread and misguide members. We have serious things to do and this guys are making it too annoying. I believe allowing all such people to start a new new thread is not a good idea.
thanks.
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Tito_ortiz
01-16 11:37 PM
I am afraid the DreamAct folks will just again dig their own graves. That record number will just prove that the change.gov effort is a system which may not attend necessarily needs of Americans, but rather the will of anyone including foreign nationals and illegal aliens. Sorry, just wanted to share a honest reality.
I see that Dream Act folks are trying to get > 60000 points, to showcase their support. We need to match for the posts like Legal Immigration in there. Currently the top posts for "legal immigration" are around 2000 points. Not many ppl are not taking interest.
Please vote up on our causes! Easy job..but please act!
I see that Dream Act folks are trying to get > 60000 points, to showcase their support. We need to match for the posts like Legal Immigration in there. Currently the top posts for "legal immigration" are around 2000 points. Not many ppl are not taking interest.
Please vote up on our causes! Easy job..but please act!
more...
chanduv23
03-14 02:18 PM
My project got over 2 weeks back and I have an EAD. I am looking for jobs and the market is very tight.
So my suggestion - just don't relax because U can safely move jobs on EAD. Keep trying hard. AFAIK there is no difference in the interviewing process so keep trying hard for jobs
So my suggestion - just don't relax because U can safely move jobs on EAD. Keep trying hard. AFAIK there is no difference in the interviewing process so keep trying hard for jobs
Ann Ruben
02-24 09:22 AM
I disagree. We need to know why the extension was denied and then assess the risk of delay, or even denial of the H-4 at a consul. If she leaves the US and there is a problem at the consul, you could be in for a very long separation.
more...
mdipi
10-20 07:55 PM
how did you do that swirly thing?
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h1techSlave
03-19 11:57 AM
I can't think of anything other than getting the company immigration lawyer's help in this case.
On another note, all of here with pending GC processes, should be ready to face the prospect of going back to our home countries. "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst".
Gurus,
I am writing on behalf of a close friend who is too worried to write it for himself.
Case:
He is a July 2007 filer with PD of Nov 2003 and recently had his I485 rejected. Reason - I140 denied and no appeal. However, when he checks his I140 status, it says, its still pending. He had received an RFE on I140 in October 2007 about Employment status and he had submitted all the required evidence. He also is in the same company that filed his labor. The only change he ever made is moving to a new place in the same city. Does anyone have a similar experience? What needs to be done apart from consulting a good immigration attorney? Your advice will be much appreciated.
On another note, all of here with pending GC processes, should be ready to face the prospect of going back to our home countries. "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst".
Gurus,
I am writing on behalf of a close friend who is too worried to write it for himself.
Case:
He is a July 2007 filer with PD of Nov 2003 and recently had his I485 rejected. Reason - I140 denied and no appeal. However, when he checks his I140 status, it says, its still pending. He had received an RFE on I140 in October 2007 about Employment status and he had submitted all the required evidence. He also is in the same company that filed his labor. The only change he ever made is moving to a new place in the same city. Does anyone have a similar experience? What needs to be done apart from consulting a good immigration attorney? Your advice will be much appreciated.
more...
Abhinaym
11-17 09:42 AM
The President is once again giving Political KULFI to all Legal immigrants.
Can you please explain what is 'political KULFI'? Not obvious to me...
Can you please explain what is 'political KULFI'? Not obvious to me...
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venkatosizolon
04-25 09:45 PM
I am working in company Vision System Group Inc (VSG INC). They are under USCIS investigation and involved in illegal activities. (Vision Systems Group Inc., was indicted in a 10-count federal indictment that included one count of conspiracy, eight counts of mail fraud, and one count of 'Notice of Forfeiture' in the amount of $7.4 million.) .
For more detail please read here 11 arrested, indicted in multi-state visa fraud operation (http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0902/090212desmoines.htm).
Many more similar link by searching Vision Systems Inc Group on Google.
They have sister concern companies:
Axiom
Orion
Venturi
Orionsoft
Cornerstone Information Systems
They all managed by same owner and management.
Company first delayed the payment by 6 weeks. They pay salary more then one month late (example on March 7, I get salary on period Jan 16- Jan 31). This (late payment) they are doing since last more then one year. On March 12th, 2010 they send email saying VSG and its entire sister concern companies are acquired by Zolon (Zolon Corporation) and send there HR manager's email addresses for communication with company. In other email they attached memo from zolon company's CEO that describes that they will pay March(1-15) salary on April 10 and March(16-31) on April 26 and so on. They also told that they will pay Feb(whole months) salary when ever they can. I sent many emails for Feb Salary, VSG HR ppl are saying you should ask new management for salary I (VSG HR ppl) am also now employee for Zolon. I talk to Zolon HR ppl and I told if I dont get Feb salary then I will complain DOL and file a case throgh attorney. Zolon HR ppl are saying Zolon' responsibility of paying salary is from March only.In reality VSG should have paid this salary already, we (might) pay but dont know when. You can file case and lets attorney decide. I dont care.
How should complain about salary to DOL should I complain against Zolon or VSG or both? Now there is no VSG. will I get success? Zolon might slip away by saying I acquired from March.
It is also possible Zolon and VSG owner might be relatives. and want to make money by not paying Feb salary.
Please advice.
For more detail please read here 11 arrested, indicted in multi-state visa fraud operation (http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0902/090212desmoines.htm).
Many more similar link by searching Vision Systems Inc Group on Google.
They have sister concern companies:
Axiom
Orion
Venturi
Orionsoft
Cornerstone Information Systems
They all managed by same owner and management.
Company first delayed the payment by 6 weeks. They pay salary more then one month late (example on March 7, I get salary on period Jan 16- Jan 31). This (late payment) they are doing since last more then one year. On March 12th, 2010 they send email saying VSG and its entire sister concern companies are acquired by Zolon (Zolon Corporation) and send there HR manager's email addresses for communication with company. In other email they attached memo from zolon company's CEO that describes that they will pay March(1-15) salary on April 10 and March(16-31) on April 26 and so on. They also told that they will pay Feb(whole months) salary when ever they can. I sent many emails for Feb Salary, VSG HR ppl are saying you should ask new management for salary I (VSG HR ppl) am also now employee for Zolon. I talk to Zolon HR ppl and I told if I dont get Feb salary then I will complain DOL and file a case throgh attorney. Zolon HR ppl are saying Zolon' responsibility of paying salary is from March only.In reality VSG should have paid this salary already, we (might) pay but dont know when. You can file case and lets attorney decide. I dont care.
How should complain about salary to DOL should I complain against Zolon or VSG or both? Now there is no VSG. will I get success? Zolon might slip away by saying I acquired from March.
It is also possible Zolon and VSG owner might be relatives. and want to make money by not paying Feb salary.
Please advice.
more...
madmonkey
05-18 02:59 PM
to be honest dude, for 300k, you are not going to get anything worth your while in Gaithersburg or rockville. You want the best schools - in the rockville area, that is the Wooton high school. In that school district, you will find a 30 year old town house for $325 possibly. Even thats tough to find.
If you are not particular about Wooton district, then your search area is larger. Urbana is a good bet if you dont mind the commute, but as some else posted, find a place close to work, theres no fun in commuting 1 hour up and 1 hour down each day.
If you are not particular about Wooton district, then your search area is larger. Urbana is a good bet if you dont mind the commute, but as some else posted, find a place close to work, theres no fun in commuting 1 hour up and 1 hour down each day.
hot of Westboro Baptist Church
cox
October 22nd, 2005, 12:05 AM
There have been some E coast meets at Indy, but as far as I know, no W coast. QJ and I have threatened to meet here since we both live around SF Bay Area, but haven't managed it yet. I'm game for a get together, but my work schedule is hideous. :(
more...
house Westboro Baptist Church
Aah_GC
06-01 01:37 AM
As suggested by vxb.. make sure you have your I140 approved, as long as you have that - you should be good to look at other options. If you use AC21 without I140 approval, its puts you at risk as your employer can revoke I140 even after 180 days of I1485 application. Seems like you have that figured that one out.
The thing with your TME role is, it is very explicit with the word "Marketing" in it. The concern with USCIS is it might actually object your transition from an engineering to marketing position. Not sure if you are moving with the same GC sponsoring employer (if that is the case, you should be good). But if you are thinking about a different employer, make sure you are moving with the same / similar type of roles. After all your GC labor was approved for a specific role that did not find a GC / citizen with similar skills.
Use your AC21 privelege wisely.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone was ever able to change from Software Engineer to Technical Marketing Engineer (TME), using the AC21 portability rules. A TME needs similar level of technical skills as that of a Software Engineer, of course used for a different purpose.
A short description of this role (for those of you who don't know about this role)
The Technical Marketing Engineer role is exciting and challenging for the employee that enjoys equally working hands on with technology in the lab and marketing this knowledge to customers. Working with marketing, engineering, services and the sales channels
I really like to consider moving to TME roles. I see this as a first point to moving to Product Manager roles. One could move to Product Manager directly, but I guess the transition for a Software Engineer will be smooth, when he/she goes from Software Engineer -> TME -> Product Manager. The advantage with TME is, you can leverage your technical skills to perform this new role and then gradually hone your marketing/soft skills, to move to the Product Manager position. This is also the input I got from the Marketing Director of one of the reputed firms.
All looks good, but I am not sure if this transition to TME will be acceptable under the AC21 rules. It would be nice to know if anyone has ever able to do it successfully (without getting any RFEs/rejections). Right now, I have a feeling that I am totally stuck in the Software Engineer role and really like to explore my options.
Appreciate your thoughts on this
The thing with your TME role is, it is very explicit with the word "Marketing" in it. The concern with USCIS is it might actually object your transition from an engineering to marketing position. Not sure if you are moving with the same GC sponsoring employer (if that is the case, you should be good). But if you are thinking about a different employer, make sure you are moving with the same / similar type of roles. After all your GC labor was approved for a specific role that did not find a GC / citizen with similar skills.
Use your AC21 privelege wisely.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone was ever able to change from Software Engineer to Technical Marketing Engineer (TME), using the AC21 portability rules. A TME needs similar level of technical skills as that of a Software Engineer, of course used for a different purpose.
A short description of this role (for those of you who don't know about this role)
The Technical Marketing Engineer role is exciting and challenging for the employee that enjoys equally working hands on with technology in the lab and marketing this knowledge to customers. Working with marketing, engineering, services and the sales channels
I really like to consider moving to TME roles. I see this as a first point to moving to Product Manager roles. One could move to Product Manager directly, but I guess the transition for a Software Engineer will be smooth, when he/she goes from Software Engineer -> TME -> Product Manager. The advantage with TME is, you can leverage your technical skills to perform this new role and then gradually hone your marketing/soft skills, to move to the Product Manager position. This is also the input I got from the Marketing Director of one of the reputed firms.
All looks good, but I am not sure if this transition to TME will be acceptable under the AC21 rules. It would be nice to know if anyone has ever able to do it successfully (without getting any RFEs/rejections). Right now, I have a feeling that I am totally stuck in the Software Engineer role and really like to explore my options.
Appreciate your thoughts on this
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dkupadhyay
11-25 01:14 PM
Thanks for all your replies.
My new attorney has all the e-mail communication to the congressman's office and he has replied to USCIS NOID for my I-1485 with all the details. But he believes that our case is not strong enough because we have no proof about the first I-140 filing date (the first I-140 was filed by previous attorney who is not reachable any more). We just have a copy of the first I-140 receipt. Even the first I-140 application (filed by previous attorney) has no date anywhere. My new attorney tried to get the original receipt for first I-140 or even copy of the canceled check for the application fees from the previous attorney. But previous attorney is not responding. I went to the previous attorney's office several times and found his office locked all the time.
Don't know what to do. Hopefully USCIS will pay attention to the e-mail communication with congressman and will find out some way.
Is there any legal step I can take against the previous attorney for not providing me the document? Can I file any consume complaint against him?
My new attorney has all the e-mail communication to the congressman's office and he has replied to USCIS NOID for my I-1485 with all the details. But he believes that our case is not strong enough because we have no proof about the first I-140 filing date (the first I-140 was filed by previous attorney who is not reachable any more). We just have a copy of the first I-140 receipt. Even the first I-140 application (filed by previous attorney) has no date anywhere. My new attorney tried to get the original receipt for first I-140 or even copy of the canceled check for the application fees from the previous attorney. But previous attorney is not responding. I went to the previous attorney's office several times and found his office locked all the time.
Don't know what to do. Hopefully USCIS will pay attention to the e-mail communication with congressman and will find out some way.
Is there any legal step I can take against the previous attorney for not providing me the document? Can I file any consume complaint against him?
more...
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JunRN
07-18 08:59 AM
I was thinking about that as well...but I have minor problems that might not be solved within July so it better for me to apply in August.
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PD073102VA
05-21 06:45 PM
Yes, you will be allowed to get one year extensions if your labor certification was filed before the start of your sixth year. But still you need to get clarfication from an attorney. I talked to one and she told me that since mine was filed RIR and passed the state stage and I was safe but if you filed in Non-RIR and no recruiting has been done then you may not be safe.
more...
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prabasiodia
04-08 03:05 PM
This one was posted originally at http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/archive/index.php/t-20450.html. Just replace USVI with Hawaii.
USVI is a US territory hence, you will be able to fly in with the drivers license. They do not take your I 94 back. Just to make sure you are in US territorial waters, don't swim or wade out more than 5 feet out in the water. You could be swimming in international waters without proper US exit authorization. Your entry to shore could be subject to unauthorized landing. A water tight bag lugged around your fanny with passport/I94/H1B/paystubs/employer letters/DL(Driver License)/EAD(Employment Authorization Document)/AP(Advanced Parole)/receipts/etc etc. should keep you safe though. Just keep it away from the sharks. Enjoy your vacation.:D:D:D
USVI is a US territory hence, you will be able to fly in with the drivers license. They do not take your I 94 back. Just to make sure you are in US territorial waters, don't swim or wade out more than 5 feet out in the water. You could be swimming in international waters without proper US exit authorization. Your entry to shore could be subject to unauthorized landing. A water tight bag lugged around your fanny with passport/I94/H1B/paystubs/employer letters/DL(Driver License)/EAD(Employment Authorization Document)/AP(Advanced Parole)/receipts/etc etc. should keep you safe though. Just keep it away from the sharks. Enjoy your vacation.:D:D:D
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SeanDell
05-28 05:37 PM
Hi,
I am on H1B in US. My current H1 is valid till July 6, 2009. Then I have an approved H1 extension valid from July 7, 2009 for the next 3 years to 2012. I also have my I-485 applied and is pending for the priority date to be current. I am planning to go to Canada in the last week of June to complete the Canadian PR Landing formalities. I would be in Canada for about 6 days and plan to use AVR (Automatic Visa Revalidation) while coming back to the US. I have a couple of questions with regards to that:
1. My current passport is valid till September, 2009. Can that be a problem while coming back to the US using AVR (as passport will be expiring in app. 3 months)? Is there any minimum Passport validity period for US POE to enter US?
2. When using AVR, is there a new I-94 issued at the POE or the same previous I-94 is handed over as it is?
3. As I have a pending 485, can the completion of Canadian PR Landing formalities and use of AVR while coming back to US be a problem at the POE or for 485?
I would highly appreciate the replies.
Thanks.
I am on H1B in US. My current H1 is valid till July 6, 2009. Then I have an approved H1 extension valid from July 7, 2009 for the next 3 years to 2012. I also have my I-485 applied and is pending for the priority date to be current. I am planning to go to Canada in the last week of June to complete the Canadian PR Landing formalities. I would be in Canada for about 6 days and plan to use AVR (Automatic Visa Revalidation) while coming back to the US. I have a couple of questions with regards to that:
1. My current passport is valid till September, 2009. Can that be a problem while coming back to the US using AVR (as passport will be expiring in app. 3 months)? Is there any minimum Passport validity period for US POE to enter US?
2. When using AVR, is there a new I-94 issued at the POE or the same previous I-94 is handed over as it is?
3. As I have a pending 485, can the completion of Canadian PR Landing formalities and use of AVR while coming back to US be a problem at the POE or for 485?
I would highly appreciate the replies.
Thanks.
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Blog Feeds
02-10 08:50 PM
Most lawyers that are versed in the H1B visa process, are getting busier and busier these days. As we are nearing the April 1, 2010 filing deadline for the H1B visa. Many speculations out there as to when will the Cap be reached this year. The economy is still in recovery mode, and employers are careful before hiring. Yet, many Immigration experts feel the Cap will be met early this year, but when is the big question.
With drastic changes to the Labor Condition Application (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/07/icert_portal_for_lca_filing.html)process (now taking more than 7 days to process), as well as unreasonable denials (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/08/h1b_visa_lawyer_about_icert_wo.html), planning early is the key to a successful H1B case this year. But in this post, I want to go back to the basics, the Cap and the legislative background.
Background
On October 21, 1998 Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the much debated American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105-277 (hereinafter ACWIA). This legislation was first introduced by Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI), the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, in response to the inadequate numbers of H-1B visas available in any fiscal year. As part of the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress imposed a 65,000 per year cap on these visas. In 1997, the cap was reached prior to the end of the fiscal year. The situation grew to crisis proportions in fiscal year 1998 when all 65,000 visas numbers were taken in May of 1998.
In early March 1998, Senator Abraham introduced a bill entitled, "The American Competitiveness Act." The legislation was introduced on the heels of numerous reports and hearings concerning the high tech worker shortage in the United States. The primary goal of the legislation was to address the looming exhaustion of the H-1B professional or specialty occupation worker visa numbers. (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137085.html)
The ACWIA went through many different stages before an agreement could be reached. A complete elimination of the cap had originally been proposed by Senator Abraham. The legislation was then modified to increase the number of H-1B visa numbers available during the government fiscal year; provide additional funds for scholarships in the computer science and mathematics areas; increase enforcement of the Department of Labor component of the H-1B visa process; and provide clarification on the prevailing wage requirements of the process. The legislation also addressed permanent residence by providing for an extension of the H-1B visa should a permanent residence petition be pending, and through restructuring the allocation of the employment-based immigrant visa numbers.
This legislative game between conservative isolationists/liberal protectors of the U.S. workforce and moderate Democrats and Republicans supporting business needs and demands, caused chaos among U.S.-based businesses in need of skilled professional workers. From May 11, 1998 until October 1, 1998 U.S. businesses, research institutions and other organizations were unable to recruit foreign workers as temporary professionals. With the U.S. economy still booming and unemployment rates remaining at an all-time low, businesses, especially in the high tech sector, encountered many problems as a result of the cut-off in H-1B visa availability. These problems included, but were not limited to, taking employees off the U.S. payroll, sending employees back to their home country or to sites outside the U.S. as well as the termination of some critical development projects.
Requirements in the Statute
The ACWIA purportedly balances the need for increased professional visas numbers for foreign workers and the desire to protect the U.S. workforce. The following is a summary of the significant changes made by the legislation.
A. Temporary Increase in the Number of Professional Visas Available
There will be an increase from 65,000 to 115,000 visas for fiscal year 1999 and 2000 (through September 30, 2000). In fiscal year 2001, 107,500 visas will be available. Beginning October 1, 2001 the numbers will revert back to 65,000.
B. Electronic Postings
LCA notices may be posted electronically in situations without a bargaining representative. This provision was effective upon date of enactment.
C. Attestations Required for Employers Dependent Upon Foreign Professionals
U.S. employers of 51 or more employees, whose workforce is comprised of 15% or more foreign nationals in the H-1B category are considered dependent employers and must make certain attestations. Employers will also be considered dependent if they employ 26- 50 full time employees and have more than 12 H-1B employees or if they employ 7 -25 employees and have more than 7 H-1B employees.
The dependent employer must attest that it has not and will not displace a U.S. worker within 90 days before and 90 days after filing the visa application. This attestation carries through to employers who place employees at another worksite. The H-1B dependent employer must also attest that it has taken good faith steps to recruit U.S. workers using industry wide standards and has offered the position to any U.S. worker who is equally or better qualified for the job the foreign worker is sought.
H-1B employees with a Master�s degree or a salary of $60,000 or higher are not included in the attestation requirements and for the first 6 months following the implementation will not be included in the dependent employer calculation.
D. Increased Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
The Department of Labor may fine employers between $1,000-$35,000 per violation and preclude participation in the H-1B program for up to three years.
E. Back Benching H-1B Employees
Employers must pay H-1B nonimmigrants the wage stated on the H-1B petition even if the beneficiary is in nonproductive status. This does not apply to non-productive time due to non work related factors.
F. Benefits
Employers must offer foreign workers benefits and eligibility for insurance, disability, retirement and savings plans, stock options, etc., on the same basis as offerings made to U.S. workers.
G. Additional Fee for Use of H-1B Program
Beginning December 1, 1998, employers are required to pay an additional fee of $500 for an initial H-1B petition and for the first extension. These fees are to be used to support job training programs and scholarships for U.S. workers.
H. Prevailing Wage Computations
For institutions of higher education, related or affiliated non-profit entities or non profit or governmental research organizations, the prevailing wage shall take into account employees at such institutions in the area of employment.
I. Academic Honoraria
Payments of honoraria may now be made to B-1 and B-2 visitors for usual academic activity lasting 9 days at an academic institution or affiliated non-profit entity or a non-profit governmental research organization. No more than 5 honorarium may be received within a six month period.
Employers based in the U.S. now have a temporary reprieve when hiring foreign professionals. However, it is uncertain whether the 65,000 visas for this fiscal year will be adequate to meet the demand for this year and next. Some government officials estimate that visas will be unavailable as early as the beginning of May 2010. In addition, it is still unclear what is on the legislative horizon, reform or not. Pro Immigrants want to come with a proposal to reform legal immigration. U.S. employers employing foreign nationals in any capacity would be well advised to carefully monitor future legislative and regulatory proposals on the horizon. All I can say is that if you plan on hiring a foreign worker, you better call your lawyer now!!!
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/02/h1b_visa_lawyer_the_filing_sea.html)
With drastic changes to the Labor Condition Application (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/07/icert_portal_for_lca_filing.html)process (now taking more than 7 days to process), as well as unreasonable denials (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/08/h1b_visa_lawyer_about_icert_wo.html), planning early is the key to a successful H1B case this year. But in this post, I want to go back to the basics, the Cap and the legislative background.
Background
On October 21, 1998 Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the much debated American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105-277 (hereinafter ACWIA). This legislation was first introduced by Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI), the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, in response to the inadequate numbers of H-1B visas available in any fiscal year. As part of the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress imposed a 65,000 per year cap on these visas. In 1997, the cap was reached prior to the end of the fiscal year. The situation grew to crisis proportions in fiscal year 1998 when all 65,000 visas numbers were taken in May of 1998.
In early March 1998, Senator Abraham introduced a bill entitled, "The American Competitiveness Act." The legislation was introduced on the heels of numerous reports and hearings concerning the high tech worker shortage in the United States. The primary goal of the legislation was to address the looming exhaustion of the H-1B professional or specialty occupation worker visa numbers. (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137085.html)
The ACWIA went through many different stages before an agreement could be reached. A complete elimination of the cap had originally been proposed by Senator Abraham. The legislation was then modified to increase the number of H-1B visa numbers available during the government fiscal year; provide additional funds for scholarships in the computer science and mathematics areas; increase enforcement of the Department of Labor component of the H-1B visa process; and provide clarification on the prevailing wage requirements of the process. The legislation also addressed permanent residence by providing for an extension of the H-1B visa should a permanent residence petition be pending, and through restructuring the allocation of the employment-based immigrant visa numbers.
This legislative game between conservative isolationists/liberal protectors of the U.S. workforce and moderate Democrats and Republicans supporting business needs and demands, caused chaos among U.S.-based businesses in need of skilled professional workers. From May 11, 1998 until October 1, 1998 U.S. businesses, research institutions and other organizations were unable to recruit foreign workers as temporary professionals. With the U.S. economy still booming and unemployment rates remaining at an all-time low, businesses, especially in the high tech sector, encountered many problems as a result of the cut-off in H-1B visa availability. These problems included, but were not limited to, taking employees off the U.S. payroll, sending employees back to their home country or to sites outside the U.S. as well as the termination of some critical development projects.
Requirements in the Statute
The ACWIA purportedly balances the need for increased professional visas numbers for foreign workers and the desire to protect the U.S. workforce. The following is a summary of the significant changes made by the legislation.
A. Temporary Increase in the Number of Professional Visas Available
There will be an increase from 65,000 to 115,000 visas for fiscal year 1999 and 2000 (through September 30, 2000). In fiscal year 2001, 107,500 visas will be available. Beginning October 1, 2001 the numbers will revert back to 65,000.
B. Electronic Postings
LCA notices may be posted electronically in situations without a bargaining representative. This provision was effective upon date of enactment.
C. Attestations Required for Employers Dependent Upon Foreign Professionals
U.S. employers of 51 or more employees, whose workforce is comprised of 15% or more foreign nationals in the H-1B category are considered dependent employers and must make certain attestations. Employers will also be considered dependent if they employ 26- 50 full time employees and have more than 12 H-1B employees or if they employ 7 -25 employees and have more than 7 H-1B employees.
The dependent employer must attest that it has not and will not displace a U.S. worker within 90 days before and 90 days after filing the visa application. This attestation carries through to employers who place employees at another worksite. The H-1B dependent employer must also attest that it has taken good faith steps to recruit U.S. workers using industry wide standards and has offered the position to any U.S. worker who is equally or better qualified for the job the foreign worker is sought.
H-1B employees with a Master�s degree or a salary of $60,000 or higher are not included in the attestation requirements and for the first 6 months following the implementation will not be included in the dependent employer calculation.
D. Increased Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
The Department of Labor may fine employers between $1,000-$35,000 per violation and preclude participation in the H-1B program for up to three years.
E. Back Benching H-1B Employees
Employers must pay H-1B nonimmigrants the wage stated on the H-1B petition even if the beneficiary is in nonproductive status. This does not apply to non-productive time due to non work related factors.
F. Benefits
Employers must offer foreign workers benefits and eligibility for insurance, disability, retirement and savings plans, stock options, etc., on the same basis as offerings made to U.S. workers.
G. Additional Fee for Use of H-1B Program
Beginning December 1, 1998, employers are required to pay an additional fee of $500 for an initial H-1B petition and for the first extension. These fees are to be used to support job training programs and scholarships for U.S. workers.
H. Prevailing Wage Computations
For institutions of higher education, related or affiliated non-profit entities or non profit or governmental research organizations, the prevailing wage shall take into account employees at such institutions in the area of employment.
I. Academic Honoraria
Payments of honoraria may now be made to B-1 and B-2 visitors for usual academic activity lasting 9 days at an academic institution or affiliated non-profit entity or a non-profit governmental research organization. No more than 5 honorarium may be received within a six month period.
Employers based in the U.S. now have a temporary reprieve when hiring foreign professionals. However, it is uncertain whether the 65,000 visas for this fiscal year will be adequate to meet the demand for this year and next. Some government officials estimate that visas will be unavailable as early as the beginning of May 2010. In addition, it is still unclear what is on the legislative horizon, reform or not. Pro Immigrants want to come with a proposal to reform legal immigration. U.S. employers employing foreign nationals in any capacity would be well advised to carefully monitor future legislative and regulatory proposals on the horizon. All I can say is that if you plan on hiring a foreign worker, you better call your lawyer now!!!
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/02/h1b_visa_lawyer_the_filing_sea.html)
pd_recapturing
07-10 06:47 AM
Is there any advantage of submitting I-485 application now except to become plantiff in law suit?
kinvin
03-17 10:21 AM
Jay,
You did a great job of the drive and many thanks to you!.
"Help me Help you!"
You did a great job of the drive and many thanks to you!.
"Help me Help you!"
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