prabasiodia
08-01 11:13 AM
All they need to do is add "text message" functionality and a new Cascaded Style Sheet.
I sincerely hope that's not the case though. :rolleyes:
If you look at the new features list:
A customer-centric home page that provides applicants with a “one-stop shop” of immigration services information.
Simplified navigation and improved search capability.
Enhanced customer service tools including expanded Case Status Online with both email and text functionality.
Information that is written clearly and meets the needs of our customers.
It is pretty vague. They may just make some cosmetic changes for the existing website. I dont see anything new here. I hope they prove me wrong!
I sincerely hope that's not the case though. :rolleyes:
If you look at the new features list:
A customer-centric home page that provides applicants with a “one-stop shop” of immigration services information.
Simplified navigation and improved search capability.
Enhanced customer service tools including expanded Case Status Online with both email and text functionality.
Information that is written clearly and meets the needs of our customers.
It is pretty vague. They may just make some cosmetic changes for the existing website. I dont see anything new here. I hope they prove me wrong!
wallpaper funny music quotes. funny
lazycis
02-28 08:31 AM
You should be fine. Not only you filed your extension on time (so the approval should apply retroactively, more likely that's the USCIS mistake), but two law provisions protect you:
1) 8 C.F.R. section 274A.12(b)(20) - An H1B holder whose employer has filed a new H1B petition to extend the stay (through the current employer - NOT a job change) can work for up to 240 days based upon the pending H1B petition;
2) 8 U.S.C. 1255(k) allows you to adjust status even if you worked without authorization for not more than 180 days.
Oh, yes, I've had a similar RFE for my dependants to show continuous H4 status so it's not unusual.
1) 8 C.F.R. section 274A.12(b)(20) - An H1B holder whose employer has filed a new H1B petition to extend the stay (through the current employer - NOT a job change) can work for up to 240 days based upon the pending H1B petition;
2) 8 U.S.C. 1255(k) allows you to adjust status even if you worked without authorization for not more than 180 days.
Oh, yes, I've had a similar RFE for my dependants to show continuous H4 status so it's not unusual.
jonty_11
08-03 05:57 PM
Yes you can apply today , per Aug bulletin it's all "U" , forgot about that !!!!
it will remain U until mid Sept when Oct Vb comes out....with a lotta surprises..
it will remain U until mid Sept when Oct Vb comes out....with a lotta surprises..
2011 dance quotes funny. dance
zilmax007
12-02 03:53 PM
Same here.
Mine & my wife's 485s were wrongfully denied last year.
We gave USCIS a chance to fix their mistake on the file. They fixed it.
If they shouldn't have fixed it , I would be a mini millionaire by now :)
But, my online status still shows as denied. Last month we got our
EADs and APs renewed without any issues. So, I don't care about the
online status.
Mine & my wife's 485s were wrongfully denied last year.
We gave USCIS a chance to fix their mistake on the file. They fixed it.
If they shouldn't have fixed it , I would be a mini millionaire by now :)
But, my online status still shows as denied. Last month we got our
EADs and APs renewed without any issues. So, I don't care about the
online status.
more...
kumkum
08-03 10:43 AM
Long ago received this mail from pnp office
AINP US Visa Holder Category Applicants
Priority processing will be given to those who have a job offer from an Alberta Employer.
If you have a job offer from an Alberta employer send us a copy of the offer along with the job description. Click here
A job offer can be your contract or letter of employment from an Alberta employer. The job offer must be in a field related to your current occupation in the US. The document must be on the official letterhead of the Alberta employer you will be working for.
Download our Websites for Alberta Job Seekers document to assist you in finding a job in Alberta.
Few days ago Again i got one mail like below
RECEIPT OF ALBERTA IMMIGRANT NOMINEE PROGRAM (AINP) APPLICATION
Candidate Name: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Candidate File Number: xxxx-xx-xxxx
Thank you for applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). This is to confirm receipt of the AINP application for the abovementioned on July 31, 2009. Please visit Alberta, Canada - Immigration : Processing times (http://www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrate/processingtimes.html) for our most current processing times.
During our assessment, an applicant or their authorized representative will only be contacted by our office if we require additional information. Please do not call to inquire about the status of the application as this will increase our processing times. If you wish to add information to the application, or change information already submitted, you may mail or fax the information to:
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Suite 940 , Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton , Alberta T5J 1S6 Canada
Fax: (780) 427-6560
can some one help me whether i am in or not?
AINP US Visa Holder Category Applicants
Priority processing will be given to those who have a job offer from an Alberta Employer.
If you have a job offer from an Alberta employer send us a copy of the offer along with the job description. Click here
A job offer can be your contract or letter of employment from an Alberta employer. The job offer must be in a field related to your current occupation in the US. The document must be on the official letterhead of the Alberta employer you will be working for.
Download our Websites for Alberta Job Seekers document to assist you in finding a job in Alberta.
Few days ago Again i got one mail like below
RECEIPT OF ALBERTA IMMIGRANT NOMINEE PROGRAM (AINP) APPLICATION
Candidate Name: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Candidate File Number: xxxx-xx-xxxx
Thank you for applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). This is to confirm receipt of the AINP application for the abovementioned on July 31, 2009. Please visit Alberta, Canada - Immigration : Processing times (http://www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrate/processingtimes.html) for our most current processing times.
During our assessment, an applicant or their authorized representative will only be contacted by our office if we require additional information. Please do not call to inquire about the status of the application as this will increase our processing times. If you wish to add information to the application, or change information already submitted, you may mail or fax the information to:
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Suite 940 , Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton , Alberta T5J 1S6 Canada
Fax: (780) 427-6560
can some one help me whether i am in or not?
ImmiRam
09-13 02:31 PM
Excerpt from the IV Home Page:
"It is discriminatory to have laws that subject immigrants from 4 nations to more backlogs and the resulting hardship from such backlogs.
We do not allow employers to discriminate hiring based on their nationality or country of origin. Therefore, the employment-based immigration, which is a derivative benefit of employment, should also be free from rationing based on nationality or country of birth."
Based on abvove, my question is - can we take Legal route i.e move to courts ? or Immigration agencies are protected ?
"It is discriminatory to have laws that subject immigrants from 4 nations to more backlogs and the resulting hardship from such backlogs.
We do not allow employers to discriminate hiring based on their nationality or country of origin. Therefore, the employment-based immigration, which is a derivative benefit of employment, should also be free from rationing based on nationality or country of birth."
Based on abvove, my question is - can we take Legal route i.e move to courts ? or Immigration agencies are protected ?
more...
pt326bc
08-03 10:33 AM
I 140 is for a future job.
You certainly could use an approved I 140 from Comapny A while applying for an H1B extension (doesn't matter if it is Company A or B which is sponsering the H1B).
The critical part here is I 140 should be active (meaning shouldn't be revoked).
Of course if you do apply for an extension beyond 6 yrs (and get it for 3 yrs if your PD is not current); AND at that point I 140 is withdrawn (after approval of H1B) then you are in a grey area.
Technically if an H1B is approved then it cannot be revoked by USCIS for the reason that the I 140 on which it was based has been withdrawn. But in the current atmosphere who knows!
Again this is not legal advice, just an opinion as I am not a lawyer!
Regards.
You certainly could use an approved I 140 from Comapny A while applying for an H1B extension (doesn't matter if it is Company A or B which is sponsering the H1B).
The critical part here is I 140 should be active (meaning shouldn't be revoked).
Of course if you do apply for an extension beyond 6 yrs (and get it for 3 yrs if your PD is not current); AND at that point I 140 is withdrawn (after approval of H1B) then you are in a grey area.
Technically if an H1B is approved then it cannot be revoked by USCIS for the reason that the I 140 on which it was based has been withdrawn. But in the current atmosphere who knows!
Again this is not legal advice, just an opinion as I am not a lawyer!
Regards.
2010 funny music quotes.
mikemeyers
11-07 09:35 PM
Hey Guys,
I first entered US on F1 and finished my Master's. I have Master's degree from a US University. I only enrolled in this school because I could not defend my thesis in time to apply for graduation so I have to extend it a semester and before visa nos. get over I applied for H1 under regular quota. Hope this help you more to assess my situation. Please share your opinions. I already have a forum on murthy since last two days but I do not see any responses...
Regards...
I first entered US on F1 and finished my Master's. I have Master's degree from a US University. I only enrolled in this school because I could not defend my thesis in time to apply for graduation so I have to extend it a semester and before visa nos. get over I applied for H1 under regular quota. Hope this help you more to assess my situation. Please share your opinions. I already have a forum on murthy since last two days but I do not see any responses...
Regards...
more...
amslonewolf
11-09 01:36 PM
I am sure many of you would agree with the below observations -
I lost money in the 2001 stock market because I believed that the market could never down based on all the glorious research reports..
I lost money again in 2005 as I bought a house believing that a house value can only go up, again reading all the real estate boom that was happening around.
Now, I keep reading that the Indian market is oh-so good that everyone should go back to India to live in the villas and ride around in the chauffeured cars:)
Hmm, as always, I have been the last one to get on the boat before it went under. So, with all pun intended, what Indian ETF should I start investing and when should I buy my one-way ticket :rolleyes:
As my mom always says - Mountains always look smooth from a distance. This time I think I will stay put and wait it out for my GC..
I lost money in the 2001 stock market because I believed that the market could never down based on all the glorious research reports..
I lost money again in 2005 as I bought a house believing that a house value can only go up, again reading all the real estate boom that was happening around.
Now, I keep reading that the Indian market is oh-so good that everyone should go back to India to live in the villas and ride around in the chauffeured cars:)
Hmm, as always, I have been the last one to get on the boat before it went under. So, with all pun intended, what Indian ETF should I start investing and when should I buy my one-way ticket :rolleyes:
As my mom always says - Mountains always look smooth from a distance. This time I think I will stay put and wait it out for my GC..
hair funny music quotes.
pappu
09-01 09:52 AM
You need to connect with company A and get your documents to prove 2 year experience.
There are 2 important aspects of I140 where applications get RFE or denials.- Qualifications of applicant and Ability to Pay.
It is good that you do not have any stake in the company and do not have any family relationship with the owner.You need to understand what are the reasons for such RFE since you know your case better and accordingly prepare a response.
If you show 2 year experience you will be covered as per your RFE.
For ability to pay, you will need to post the company B turnover, number of employees, profit, liabilities, VC funding if any... there is a lot here that one needs to know to file a proper A2P response. It can be done. You need to talk to your company, Talk to a good lawyer and a CPA if needed.
now looking at your RFE, you may also want to find out the past history of your company (any past RFEs, denials, any labor subs [yes labor subs are important now to know.]).
You definitely need a good attorney. Yours is a big RFE and forums cannot give you answers. None of us are lawyers so we cannot give you advice. Our views are based on our own reading and experience on forums. You do not want to take chances with an important RFE. It is not difficult to handle. I have seen much difficult RFEs. Good luck.
There are 2 important aspects of I140 where applications get RFE or denials.- Qualifications of applicant and Ability to Pay.
It is good that you do not have any stake in the company and do not have any family relationship with the owner.You need to understand what are the reasons for such RFE since you know your case better and accordingly prepare a response.
If you show 2 year experience you will be covered as per your RFE.
For ability to pay, you will need to post the company B turnover, number of employees, profit, liabilities, VC funding if any... there is a lot here that one needs to know to file a proper A2P response. It can be done. You need to talk to your company, Talk to a good lawyer and a CPA if needed.
now looking at your RFE, you may also want to find out the past history of your company (any past RFEs, denials, any labor subs [yes labor subs are important now to know.]).
You definitely need a good attorney. Yours is a big RFE and forums cannot give you answers. None of us are lawyers so we cannot give you advice. Our views are based on our own reading and experience on forums. You do not want to take chances with an important RFE. It is not difficult to handle. I have seen much difficult RFEs. Good luck.
more...
mohitb272
03-20 06:25 PM
Anyone???
hot quotes on music and life.
franklin
03-23 01:51 PM
I've just got all the info for setting up conference call and meeting with the lawmakers "info" kit.
Once I've digested the contents of both, I'll be setting up a call, probably early next week. Here is the IV lawmaker kit http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=36
Any help on this would be appreciated, since I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with info! Volunteers for meeting people with me would also be great
I'll post to the yahoo group shortly.
Here're the details on NC_Immigration_Voice:
Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NC_Immigration_Voice
Group email address: NC_Immigration_Voice@yahoogroups.com
It is our time to seize the reigns and kick start some momentum
Once I've digested the contents of both, I'll be setting up a call, probably early next week. Here is the IV lawmaker kit http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=36
Any help on this would be appreciated, since I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with info! Volunteers for meeting people with me would also be great
I'll post to the yahoo group shortly.
Here're the details on NC_Immigration_Voice:
Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NC_Immigration_Voice
Group email address: NC_Immigration_Voice@yahoogroups.com
It is our time to seize the reigns and kick start some momentum
more...
house hlsz.comfunny quotes and
dessoya
06-22 06:56 PM
all the images are broken, does anybody still have them?
they were all listed at the kirupalab
they were all listed at the kirupalab
tattoo funny basketball quotes.
logiclife
07-11 11:18 AM
This is from Rajiv Khanna's Immigration.com (http://www.immigration.com/common/synergybackpay.html), found today.
Employer to be barred for two years from H-1 and green card filing for willful failure to pay benched employees.
In a decision entitled "Administrator WHD v. Synergy Systems, Inc." on June 30, 2006, the employer was ordered to pay back wages to two benched (Indian) employees and was directed to be barred from the H-1 AND green card programs for two years. The employer tried to argue that the employees were on unpaid leave of absence. This argument was rejected. It was found that employer had willfully violated H-1B regulations, hence it must be barred from the H-1 and green card filing for at least two years.
What this tell us is:
1. Its really not a joke to go around benching people without pay.
2. All it takes its an official complaint to be filed with Department of labor. And although it takes time, the department of labor would go after such employers and do the neccesary "Treatment" and "therapy" needed to teach such employers a lesson.
3. It is not the employee's fault if they are not paid wages for the time they spend when they are non-productive, aka, illegal benching-without-pay. Employee's responsibility to find a gainful employment starts ONLY AFTER the employer officially terminates the employee and send USCIS the notice to revoke H1. After that, its the employee's responsibility to maintain status and legality.
Employers like Synergy are not only a menace to their own employees, they are also a menace to the entire system. The anti-immigrants cite such employers to make their case for their own cause by saying that "H1Bs are exploited and H1Bs are slaves and H1Bs and immigrants are driving down wages". When in reality, H1B employees most earn the same amount or more amount than any other employee on greencard or citizenship. Such few bad apples really provide examples for our opponents on other side to create new sound bites. These are the guys who put us in trouble and provide fodder to Lou Dobbs and programmer's guild(organization against hi-tech immigration).
I am disappointed that they are barred only for 2 years. Coz after 2 years, I can guarantee that they will be probably back to their old tricks. There is such a thing called RECIDIVISM. A tendency to revert back to previous pattern of bahavior. Pretty much like a dog's tail. No matter how long you keep a dog's tail in a straight tube, as soon as you take it out, it regains its original shape.
However, 2 years is still 2 years. And I am going to toast to that. CHEERS !!!!!!!!!! :):)
If anyone here has been an employee of Synergy or is still an employee, you may want to take appropriate steps to change your employer and check the consequence to your immigration status and GC status.
Employer to be barred for two years from H-1 and green card filing for willful failure to pay benched employees.
In a decision entitled "Administrator WHD v. Synergy Systems, Inc." on June 30, 2006, the employer was ordered to pay back wages to two benched (Indian) employees and was directed to be barred from the H-1 AND green card programs for two years. The employer tried to argue that the employees were on unpaid leave of absence. This argument was rejected. It was found that employer had willfully violated H-1B regulations, hence it must be barred from the H-1 and green card filing for at least two years.
What this tell us is:
1. Its really not a joke to go around benching people without pay.
2. All it takes its an official complaint to be filed with Department of labor. And although it takes time, the department of labor would go after such employers and do the neccesary "Treatment" and "therapy" needed to teach such employers a lesson.
3. It is not the employee's fault if they are not paid wages for the time they spend when they are non-productive, aka, illegal benching-without-pay. Employee's responsibility to find a gainful employment starts ONLY AFTER the employer officially terminates the employee and send USCIS the notice to revoke H1. After that, its the employee's responsibility to maintain status and legality.
Employers like Synergy are not only a menace to their own employees, they are also a menace to the entire system. The anti-immigrants cite such employers to make their case for their own cause by saying that "H1Bs are exploited and H1Bs are slaves and H1Bs and immigrants are driving down wages". When in reality, H1B employees most earn the same amount or more amount than any other employee on greencard or citizenship. Such few bad apples really provide examples for our opponents on other side to create new sound bites. These are the guys who put us in trouble and provide fodder to Lou Dobbs and programmer's guild(organization against hi-tech immigration).
I am disappointed that they are barred only for 2 years. Coz after 2 years, I can guarantee that they will be probably back to their old tricks. There is such a thing called RECIDIVISM. A tendency to revert back to previous pattern of bahavior. Pretty much like a dog's tail. No matter how long you keep a dog's tail in a straight tube, as soon as you take it out, it regains its original shape.
However, 2 years is still 2 years. And I am going to toast to that. CHEERS !!!!!!!!!! :):)
If anyone here has been an employee of Synergy or is still an employee, you may want to take appropriate steps to change your employer and check the consequence to your immigration status and GC status.
more...
pictures cute quotes about music. cute
illinois_alum
09-02 04:40 PM
How long did it take them to send the SR response? When did u open the SR? Thanks in advance...
I think this is a standard response...saw it on some other post as well...
I think this is a standard response...saw it on some other post as well...
dresses funny music quotes. Sad Music
godbless
11-02 01:55 PM
Yes, he will get his EAD. His 485 will not be adjudicated until his PD is current. 140 Preimum doesnt do any help for your brother. He should get his EAD in approx 90 days from the date of receipt.
Can you request your brother to sign up on IV after his work at his facility? Every member counts!
Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, sure I am going to ask him to sign up on IV.
Can you request your brother to sign up on IV after his work at his facility? Every member counts!
Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, sure I am going to ask him to sign up on IV.
more...
makeup famous quotes about music.
eb3_nepa
08-02 11:54 AM
I am wondering if there is a potential issue for the applications filed between July 3rd to july 17th. This is the period when everything was in limbo. Is there any disadvantage for these folks?
So far I haven't seen anyone getting checks cashed or recipted in this period. We do see July 2nd notices comming in.
I had my 485 application received at NSC on July 3rd. And now we are hearing that they may transfer cases to TSC if I-140 was approved from there. Another delay! This wait is getting me restless.
Yeah so far only TWO notices though. I am seriously beginning to wonder if filers between July 2 - July 17 are actually going to be penalized coz NOTHING in USCIS is ever "FIFO".
So far I haven't seen anyone getting checks cashed or recipted in this period. We do see July 2nd notices comming in.
I had my 485 application received at NSC on July 3rd. And now we are hearing that they may transfer cases to TSC if I-140 was approved from there. Another delay! This wait is getting me restless.
Yeah so far only TWO notices though. I am seriously beginning to wonder if filers between July 2 - July 17 are actually going to be penalized coz NOTHING in USCIS is ever "FIFO".
girlfriend funny quotes in pictures.
Libra
08-03 10:17 AM
Guys, please consider contributing for sept rally............
hairstyles about music. funny quotes
jags_e
08-30 02:58 PM
There is a main article on the reverse brain drain in EE Times and it mentions the IV's September 18 rally too.
The link is http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=314X3PTACJUWMQSNDLOSK HSCJUNN2JVN;?articleID=201802703
EE Times: Latest News
Green-card red tape sends valuable engineers packing
Disenchanted with life in immigration limbo, San Antonio resident Praveen Arumbakkam is abandoning his American dream and returning to his native India.
A senior programmer at a fast-growing IT company, Arumbakkam volunteered for the Red Cross in Texas after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. He worked on disaster recovery management software to locate displaced persons, track donations and organize aid distribution.
He had hoped to start a nonprofit disaster recovery management solutions company in the United States, but now he's decided he doesn't want to wait any longer for his green card.
When professionals such as Arumbakkam give up on the States, it creates serious economic consequences, said Vivek Wadhwa, lead author of a study on the subject released last week.
"We've set the stage here for a massive reverse brain drain," said Wadhwa, Wertheim Fellow at Harvard Law School's Labor and Worklife Program.
By the end of fiscal 2006, half a million foreign nationals living in the U.S. were waiting for employment-based green cards, according to the study, released by the nonprofit Kauffman Foundation. Titled "Intellectual Property, the Immigration Backlog, and a Reverse Brain-Drain," the study was based on research by Duke, Harvard and New York University. If spouses and children are included, the number exceeds 1 million.
The study looked at the three main types of employment-based green cards, which cover skill-based immigrants and their immediate families. Including pros- pective immigrants awaiting U.S. legal permanent resident status but living abroad, the numbers hit almost 600,000 in the first group and almost 1.2 million in the second.
The number of available green cards in the three categories totals approximately 120,000. "If there are over a million persons in line for 120,000 visas a year, then we have already mortgaged almost nine years' worth of employment visas," said study author Guillermina Jasso, an NYU sociology professor.
The report also notes that foreign nationals were listed as inventors or co-inventors on 25.6 percent of the international-patent app-lications filed from the United States in 2006, up from 7.6 percent in 1998.
U.S. companies bring in many highly skilled foreigners on temporary visas and train them in U.S. business practices, noted Wadhwa, an executive in residence at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. Those workers are then forced to leave, and "they become our competitors. That's as stupid as it gets," he said. "How can this country be so dumb as to bring people in on temporary visas, train them in our way of doing business and then send them back to compete with us?"
Many in the engineering profession argue that American tech employers take advantage of the work visa system for their own benefit. They state that though there is plenty of American engineering talent available, employers use the programs to hire cheaper foreign labor.
And others counter the concern that large numbers of foreign residents will depart America. Most immigrants who have waited years for green cards will remain firm in their resolve, given the time and effort they have already invested, believes Norm Matloff, a computer science professor at the University of California at Davis. "People are here because they want to be here," he said. "They place a high value on immigrating."
But while Arumbakkam wants to be here, he has had enough of waiting. And his story is typical of those foreign-born tech professionals who return home.
In July 2001, the then 27-year-old Arumbakkam arrived on a student visa to get his master's in information technology at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. He has a bachelor's degree from the highly ranked University of Madras in southern India.
Arumbakkam said he "pretty much loved the society and the infrastructure for advanced education" in the States. In the post-Sept. 11 climate toward foreigners, however, he found it difficult to get work. After sending out countless resumes, he took an internship in Baltimore, followed by a job in Michigan.
That post didn't bring him any closer to his goal of permanent residency, however. He next took a job in San Antonio and insisted his employer secure him a green card. About that time, the government established an "application backlog elimination" center. "My application went straight into this chasm. I don't know what happened after that," he said. "That was pretty much a blow."
In 2005, he landed his current job, where he's happy with the work environment and the salary. His employer applied for a green card when the government rolled out an online system that was supposed to streamline the process.
But since then, with two applications in the works, Arumbakkam has been waiting-and waiting. In the meantime, his work status can't change, meaning no pay raises or promotions.
Page 2 of 2
Arumbakkam knows plenty of others in the same boat. In early 2006, he ran across Immigration Voice, a nonprofit national group that supports changes in immigration law affecting highly skilled workers. The 22,000-member organization includes professionals in a wide range of fields, from engineers and doctors to architects. Many have families, and all are stuck in the legal process.
"I heard horror stories," said Arumbakkam. One is the tale of a quality assurance engineer employed by a midsized consulting firm in Oklahoma working with Fortune 50 companies. The Indian engineer was hired at a salary that was 30 percent lower than he expected. This was in exchange for the promise that his employer would file a green card application. He was told the money would go to attorneys' fees.
For four years, the engineer asked about his application and was repeatedly told it was coming along. The employer blamed the slow progress on the law firm. In fact, the employer had never filed the application. Finally, the engineer found other work and restarted his efforts to obtain permanent residence.
In another case, a senior strategic projects manager who has an engineering background and is working for a Fortune 100 company has been waiting 13 years for his green card, Arumbakkam said.
That manager, also Indian, applied for permanent residency in Canada at the same time he applied for it in the States. After 18 months, Canada offered it to him and his family. His wife and children moved to Vancouver, B.C., where he visits regularly while waiting for a change in his U.S. residency status.
Indians in the United States often have too much trust in their employers and lack knowledge of resources that could help them understand their immigration options, Arumbakkam said. He plans to attend an Immigration Voice rally in Washington on Sept. 18 to urge congressional action on immigration.
But he isn't optimistic. "I just feel that I'm getting pushed further down as far as my career is concerned," he said.
...................
The link is http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=314X3PTACJUWMQSNDLOSK HSCJUNN2JVN;?articleID=201802703
EE Times: Latest News
Green-card red tape sends valuable engineers packing
Disenchanted with life in immigration limbo, San Antonio resident Praveen Arumbakkam is abandoning his American dream and returning to his native India.
A senior programmer at a fast-growing IT company, Arumbakkam volunteered for the Red Cross in Texas after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. He worked on disaster recovery management software to locate displaced persons, track donations and organize aid distribution.
He had hoped to start a nonprofit disaster recovery management solutions company in the United States, but now he's decided he doesn't want to wait any longer for his green card.
When professionals such as Arumbakkam give up on the States, it creates serious economic consequences, said Vivek Wadhwa, lead author of a study on the subject released last week.
"We've set the stage here for a massive reverse brain drain," said Wadhwa, Wertheim Fellow at Harvard Law School's Labor and Worklife Program.
By the end of fiscal 2006, half a million foreign nationals living in the U.S. were waiting for employment-based green cards, according to the study, released by the nonprofit Kauffman Foundation. Titled "Intellectual Property, the Immigration Backlog, and a Reverse Brain-Drain," the study was based on research by Duke, Harvard and New York University. If spouses and children are included, the number exceeds 1 million.
The study looked at the three main types of employment-based green cards, which cover skill-based immigrants and their immediate families. Including pros- pective immigrants awaiting U.S. legal permanent resident status but living abroad, the numbers hit almost 600,000 in the first group and almost 1.2 million in the second.
The number of available green cards in the three categories totals approximately 120,000. "If there are over a million persons in line for 120,000 visas a year, then we have already mortgaged almost nine years' worth of employment visas," said study author Guillermina Jasso, an NYU sociology professor.
The report also notes that foreign nationals were listed as inventors or co-inventors on 25.6 percent of the international-patent app-lications filed from the United States in 2006, up from 7.6 percent in 1998.
U.S. companies bring in many highly skilled foreigners on temporary visas and train them in U.S. business practices, noted Wadhwa, an executive in residence at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. Those workers are then forced to leave, and "they become our competitors. That's as stupid as it gets," he said. "How can this country be so dumb as to bring people in on temporary visas, train them in our way of doing business and then send them back to compete with us?"
Many in the engineering profession argue that American tech employers take advantage of the work visa system for their own benefit. They state that though there is plenty of American engineering talent available, employers use the programs to hire cheaper foreign labor.
And others counter the concern that large numbers of foreign residents will depart America. Most immigrants who have waited years for green cards will remain firm in their resolve, given the time and effort they have already invested, believes Norm Matloff, a computer science professor at the University of California at Davis. "People are here because they want to be here," he said. "They place a high value on immigrating."
But while Arumbakkam wants to be here, he has had enough of waiting. And his story is typical of those foreign-born tech professionals who return home.
In July 2001, the then 27-year-old Arumbakkam arrived on a student visa to get his master's in information technology at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. He has a bachelor's degree from the highly ranked University of Madras in southern India.
Arumbakkam said he "pretty much loved the society and the infrastructure for advanced education" in the States. In the post-Sept. 11 climate toward foreigners, however, he found it difficult to get work. After sending out countless resumes, he took an internship in Baltimore, followed by a job in Michigan.
That post didn't bring him any closer to his goal of permanent residency, however. He next took a job in San Antonio and insisted his employer secure him a green card. About that time, the government established an "application backlog elimination" center. "My application went straight into this chasm. I don't know what happened after that," he said. "That was pretty much a blow."
In 2005, he landed his current job, where he's happy with the work environment and the salary. His employer applied for a green card when the government rolled out an online system that was supposed to streamline the process.
But since then, with two applications in the works, Arumbakkam has been waiting-and waiting. In the meantime, his work status can't change, meaning no pay raises or promotions.
Page 2 of 2
Arumbakkam knows plenty of others in the same boat. In early 2006, he ran across Immigration Voice, a nonprofit national group that supports changes in immigration law affecting highly skilled workers. The 22,000-member organization includes professionals in a wide range of fields, from engineers and doctors to architects. Many have families, and all are stuck in the legal process.
"I heard horror stories," said Arumbakkam. One is the tale of a quality assurance engineer employed by a midsized consulting firm in Oklahoma working with Fortune 50 companies. The Indian engineer was hired at a salary that was 30 percent lower than he expected. This was in exchange for the promise that his employer would file a green card application. He was told the money would go to attorneys' fees.
For four years, the engineer asked about his application and was repeatedly told it was coming along. The employer blamed the slow progress on the law firm. In fact, the employer had never filed the application. Finally, the engineer found other work and restarted his efforts to obtain permanent residence.
In another case, a senior strategic projects manager who has an engineering background and is working for a Fortune 100 company has been waiting 13 years for his green card, Arumbakkam said.
That manager, also Indian, applied for permanent residency in Canada at the same time he applied for it in the States. After 18 months, Canada offered it to him and his family. His wife and children moved to Vancouver, B.C., where he visits regularly while waiting for a change in his U.S. residency status.
Indians in the United States often have too much trust in their employers and lack knowledge of resources that could help them understand their immigration options, Arumbakkam said. He plans to attend an Immigration Voice rally in Washington on Sept. 18 to urge congressional action on immigration.
But he isn't optimistic. "I just feel that I'm getting pushed further down as far as my career is concerned," he said.
...................
das0
06-18 11:55 AM
Once on EAD for one employer A, can anyone fall back to H1B for the same employer A?
venky08
05-30 06:38 PM
my advice to you is try to do it in person. i did it a few months ago in houston. i know a lot of people are not lucky enough to be close to a consulate. but when you apply in person, and you say that you will pick up your passport in person, then you take most of the problems away involving postal delivery and receipt of the passport.
so even if it may hurt to drive for a few hours, it may be well worth the drive. afterall passport with a visa stamp is probably the most important document you will ever have in your possession while you are on H1-B.
the way it works in houston is - you submit all the paperwork etc. during morning hours. they will tell you to come and pick up your passport after 3-4 weeks. you go there say a couple of days after they told you to come, pick up your passport...go home...effortless.:cool:
so even if it may hurt to drive for a few hours, it may be well worth the drive. afterall passport with a visa stamp is probably the most important document you will ever have in your possession while you are on H1-B.
the way it works in houston is - you submit all the paperwork etc. during morning hours. they will tell you to come and pick up your passport after 3-4 weeks. you go there say a couple of days after they told you to come, pick up your passport...go home...effortless.:cool:
No comments:
Post a Comment