Maverick1
07-11 01:49 PM
I have great respect for Paskal. I found your posts to be level headed all the time. Looks like you took this personally this time. This only shows how frustrating these times are. This whole screwed up process is wrong and unfair. Any type of comparison us useless.
There are many factors that determine whether you applied EB2 or EB3. It is not just what your qualifications are. Some companies and attorneys have predispositions. Some companies are very liberal with their job descriptions and some or not. We all know that.
We can draw this argument to many levels.
Experience VS Master's degree
Indian degree vs US degree
Desi Body shop Vs Jobs in reputed companies
Company policy VS bought out LCs
Reputed Schools Vs So So schools
Fact of the matter is , There is still some challenge still in applying under EB1 (although I see many more EB1s these days than I used to). But we practically blurred the lines between EB2 and EB3. That is why people talk about EB2 VS EB3 not EB1 vs EB3.
There are many more qualified folks under EB3 for variety of reasons (who practically gave up any hope) and also some who were in EB2 that are probably not EB2 by strict interpretation and spirit of EB2.
Bottom line : We all screwed. Some more than others :)
Just my 2 cents :)
it goes deeper than that. first let me point out that this is philosophical- you argument is not about law, it's about a point of view.
so if i ask you why EB2 filers should spend extra years getting educated and never getting this all important magic "PD" and then get in line behind someone who got a job the day they entered the country- and got a PD soon enough- what would you say?
ask me. it took me 11 years to get a PD. why? for 7 of those years i was getting my advanced education. so why should i suffer behind the 3 year Indian degree person (against my 7 years there as well) who came in 5 years after me and filed right away?
there are reasons why the EB priorities were set up. by simply extending your logic EB1 should also wait for a turn and not have priority. what's good for the goose....
having said that, it is absolutely insane to ask people to wait indefinitely and we must do something about it.
today the EB3 folks (and I have nothing against them, their waits are insane- and it's absolutely not right) are porting to EB2 with those bachelors degrees and 5 years experience. and just because they could APPLY for a GC earlier and all their years get counted in the PD, they keep lining up ahead of me. why do all my years count for NOTHING?
please spare us "fortunate" EB2s a thought too. think of when in life our careers are finally freed from waiting for a GC.
and now please concentrate on ways to end retrogression and stop the EB2 vs EB3 crap. we all have our problems.
There are many factors that determine whether you applied EB2 or EB3. It is not just what your qualifications are. Some companies and attorneys have predispositions. Some companies are very liberal with their job descriptions and some or not. We all know that.
We can draw this argument to many levels.
Experience VS Master's degree
Indian degree vs US degree
Desi Body shop Vs Jobs in reputed companies
Company policy VS bought out LCs
Reputed Schools Vs So So schools
Fact of the matter is , There is still some challenge still in applying under EB1 (although I see many more EB1s these days than I used to). But we practically blurred the lines between EB2 and EB3. That is why people talk about EB2 VS EB3 not EB1 vs EB3.
There are many more qualified folks under EB3 for variety of reasons (who practically gave up any hope) and also some who were in EB2 that are probably not EB2 by strict interpretation and spirit of EB2.
Bottom line : We all screwed. Some more than others :)
Just my 2 cents :)
it goes deeper than that. first let me point out that this is philosophical- you argument is not about law, it's about a point of view.
so if i ask you why EB2 filers should spend extra years getting educated and never getting this all important magic "PD" and then get in line behind someone who got a job the day they entered the country- and got a PD soon enough- what would you say?
ask me. it took me 11 years to get a PD. why? for 7 of those years i was getting my advanced education. so why should i suffer behind the 3 year Indian degree person (against my 7 years there as well) who came in 5 years after me and filed right away?
there are reasons why the EB priorities were set up. by simply extending your logic EB1 should also wait for a turn and not have priority. what's good for the goose....
having said that, it is absolutely insane to ask people to wait indefinitely and we must do something about it.
today the EB3 folks (and I have nothing against them, their waits are insane- and it's absolutely not right) are porting to EB2 with those bachelors degrees and 5 years experience. and just because they could APPLY for a GC earlier and all their years get counted in the PD, they keep lining up ahead of me. why do all my years count for NOTHING?
please spare us "fortunate" EB2s a thought too. think of when in life our careers are finally freed from waiting for a GC.
and now please concentrate on ways to end retrogression and stop the EB2 vs EB3 crap. we all have our problems.
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rajnag21
07-21 12:48 PM
Yes; he was out of status from March 2003. However; he had a valid I-94 card until February 2004. He didn't have a valid I-94 from February 2004 until april 2004.
once;he left and re-entered then the out of status time was finished. Since he didn't overstay his I-94 card by more then 180 days then he is not subject to the 3 year bar.
If his I-94 card expired in March 2003 then he would have had unlawful presence from that date forward and since it was more then one year then he would have been subject to 10 year bar.
UnitedNations,
I know I should be asking my lawyer this but what if i94 has been expired from past 3 monthsi.e., from april 2007 , the person has applied for seventh year extension of h1b visa in feb 2007 but it has not come through yet, and they have already done concurrent filing of 140 and 485 in July.
In this situation what does the person (with h4 dependent in the same situation) do ?
Is this a solution:
Make h1 premium now and get the 797 approval, wait for 485 receipt and then go to Canada for getting h1 visa stamping and new I94 card ?
Please advise. Appreciate any suggestions you can give with your limited time :)
Is there a better solution ?
once;he left and re-entered then the out of status time was finished. Since he didn't overstay his I-94 card by more then 180 days then he is not subject to the 3 year bar.
If his I-94 card expired in March 2003 then he would have had unlawful presence from that date forward and since it was more then one year then he would have been subject to 10 year bar.
UnitedNations,
I know I should be asking my lawyer this but what if i94 has been expired from past 3 monthsi.e., from april 2007 , the person has applied for seventh year extension of h1b visa in feb 2007 but it has not come through yet, and they have already done concurrent filing of 140 and 485 in July.
In this situation what does the person (with h4 dependent in the same situation) do ?
Is this a solution:
Make h1 premium now and get the 797 approval, wait for 485 receipt and then go to Canada for getting h1 visa stamping and new I94 card ?
Please advise. Appreciate any suggestions you can give with your limited time :)
Is there a better solution ?
Sherman_tribiani
09-08 05:38 PM
No need to shout here...I know this is an educated community and I am trying to hold a logical debate. But very few posts have any logical responses. So far no convincing argument has been put forward explaining why they deserve the coveted work permits (aka Green Cards). This shows the immigration system need to be fixed to filter out such nuances.
To support my point, please see my additional posts: 101, 105,110 and 117. All responses I got were just BS, with no logic. These people know only how to talk with no action. America is a country of actions with razor sharp focus.
So my friend ,a personal advice to you: I have been following yours and others posts closely. You are wasting your time arranging all those buses and all other BS. The rally will not succeed. Just take a look how many people you have so far? Admit it you just don’t have the numbers to succeed.
Moderators/IV leadership please note that I would want to complete my series of replies and there are 10 more replies remaining. I feel that those posts are worth being replied to. I will appreciate if you will let me put my points. Thereafter, I really don't care. If you want to discuss this on phone, send me an e-mail first on sherman_tribiani@yahoo.com and we can set up some time.
You really are getting on my nerves now.
You are no future predictor... How can you say Strive Act is doomed?...
You as well as I know that we need just handful (probably four) of votes to pass this bill.
The rally is being done to lobby for the support. And if those undecided lawmakers come into our camp then we will win and you will LOSE!
To support my point, please see my additional posts: 101, 105,110 and 117. All responses I got were just BS, with no logic. These people know only how to talk with no action. America is a country of actions with razor sharp focus.
So my friend ,a personal advice to you: I have been following yours and others posts closely. You are wasting your time arranging all those buses and all other BS. The rally will not succeed. Just take a look how many people you have so far? Admit it you just don’t have the numbers to succeed.
Moderators/IV leadership please note that I would want to complete my series of replies and there are 10 more replies remaining. I feel that those posts are worth being replied to. I will appreciate if you will let me put my points. Thereafter, I really don't care. If you want to discuss this on phone, send me an e-mail first on sherman_tribiani@yahoo.com and we can set up some time.
You really are getting on my nerves now.
You are no future predictor... How can you say Strive Act is doomed?...
You as well as I know that we need just handful (probably four) of votes to pass this bill.
The rally is being done to lobby for the support. And if those undecided lawmakers come into our camp then we will win and you will LOSE!
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crazydesi
04-13 01:33 PM
I know lot of my friends still waiting for GC since last 7/8/9 years. As you can see MY PD is Oct 2001 and I got my approval email last week.
So dont think that everyone who is getting approved with old PD has bought a Sub labor.
People are waiting patiently for the queue to get clear and wait for their turn.
So dont think that everyone who is getting approved with old PD has bought a Sub labor.
People are waiting patiently for the queue to get clear and wait for their turn.
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venkat_gc
07-17 08:42 PM
Thank You IV..
nogc_noproblem
08-22 01:26 PM
08/22/2008: Wild Forest Fire Sweeping Chinese and Indian Websites
The USCIS has been delaying release of the August 15, 2008 USCIS processing time reports and so-called certain government agency processing tracking sites have been reporting slow-down of the EB-2 I-485 applications for the Indians and Chinese. Triggered in part by these evidence, the Indian and Chinese EB-2 I-485 waiters are literally consuming their emotions through the Indian and Chinese websites. However, we are still in August and have yet to reach the September 2008 Visa Bulletin which was released by the State Department assumedly after consulting with the USCIS, and there is absolutely no evidence at this point that the FY 2008 EB-2 visa numbers have already been exhausted. People should calm down, keep patience, and wait for the agencies' announcements, if any.
The USCIS has been delaying release of the August 15, 2008 USCIS processing time reports and so-called certain government agency processing tracking sites have been reporting slow-down of the EB-2 I-485 applications for the Indians and Chinese. Triggered in part by these evidence, the Indian and Chinese EB-2 I-485 waiters are literally consuming their emotions through the Indian and Chinese websites. However, we are still in August and have yet to reach the September 2008 Visa Bulletin which was released by the State Department assumedly after consulting with the USCIS, and there is absolutely no evidence at this point that the FY 2008 EB-2 visa numbers have already been exhausted. People should calm down, keep patience, and wait for the agencies' announcements, if any.
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DCQC
07-17 07:19 PM
I would like to Thank you for being a savior during this time of distress for thousands of you. Greatly appreciate all your hard work and efforts for teh job well done. Let us continue to work together to get the outstanding immigration issues fixed so we and the future aspirants will have a smooth ride towards permandnt residence.
Good night and good luck!
Good night and good luck!
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psagarn
04-14 11:23 AM
Can we rope in organizations like those mentioned in the subject line for our cause?
Single most important reason I have not bought a house yet is that I do not have a GC and thus can be kicked out anytime. Most of my savings have been invested in Real Estate in India not because I think investment there is more profitable but because I do not have confidence that I will get GC here for sure. All of my friends who own a house waited till they got GC and those who do not own one, are those waiting for GC. In short, more GCs to Desis generally would mean increased housing demand, at least that is what the initial look at numbers indicate. Thoughts?
Single most important reason I have not bought a house yet is that I do not have a GC and thus can be kicked out anytime. Most of my savings have been invested in Real Estate in India not because I think investment there is more profitable but because I do not have confidence that I will get GC here for sure. All of my friends who own a house waited till they got GC and those who do not own one, are those waiting for GC. In short, more GCs to Desis generally would mean increased housing demand, at least that is what the initial look at numbers indicate. Thoughts?
more...
kvrr
12-19 09:19 PM
Contributed $100 yesterday. Sent another $100 through paypal now. Trying to help reach the 50% mark today.
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wandmaker
02-25 08:56 AM
Good one, Change to workflow should not be an issue, but we should have IV core support and reasonable to pool of money (not peanuts) to make this a success. I would recommend to run a funding drive, specially for this effort once IV core endorses this effort. In day to day life, Everything begins with $, you get what you pay for and nothing is free.
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thomachan72
12-05 11:19 AM
Lets see, she
1. was here illegally
2. was convicted of shoplifting.
3. Drove without a license.
4. Had unpaid driving fines. (Bet she didnt have driving insurance either).
She had her delivery in a hospital which automatically assures adequate care for the child (paid for by the good citizens of Maricopa county, i should add).
As long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated, a woman is perfectly capable of delivering with a leg shackled. In no way does that put her at risk of complications.
Yes it would have been humiliating, but whose fault is that?
Articles like this are published primarily to sway public opinion in favor of illegal aliens and amnesty. Judging by the responses I am impressed who effective they are.
If it were for some of the antiimmigrant folks, my friend you (sugaur) wouldn't be here a day longer. you would be "out" in a wink from this country. so dont consider yourself too supportive of anti-immigration. Even citizens are favoring resolving the ilegal immigration crisis by granting some legality to those who are here ilegally. Dont support ilegal immigration but atleast dont bash those who show support to resolving this crisis. you and me are mere temporary visitors here. please remember that your country is not this. you are here seeking prosperity and so are they. this country has a way of dealing with them and us and neither has been satisfactory so far. So my friend why side with one and sound righteous? Sympathy is universal and is shown even to the person going to be hanged. If ilegal immigration was such a big crime then why are the united states citizens debating about granting green cards to 11 million of these people here????? these people are neighbours and have been dependent on each other since ever.let us not meddle in their affairs. they assimilate better into the american culture than us.
1. was here illegally
2. was convicted of shoplifting.
3. Drove without a license.
4. Had unpaid driving fines. (Bet she didnt have driving insurance either).
She had her delivery in a hospital which automatically assures adequate care for the child (paid for by the good citizens of Maricopa county, i should add).
As long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated, a woman is perfectly capable of delivering with a leg shackled. In no way does that put her at risk of complications.
Yes it would have been humiliating, but whose fault is that?
Articles like this are published primarily to sway public opinion in favor of illegal aliens and amnesty. Judging by the responses I am impressed who effective they are.
If it were for some of the antiimmigrant folks, my friend you (sugaur) wouldn't be here a day longer. you would be "out" in a wink from this country. so dont consider yourself too supportive of anti-immigration. Even citizens are favoring resolving the ilegal immigration crisis by granting some legality to those who are here ilegally. Dont support ilegal immigration but atleast dont bash those who show support to resolving this crisis. you and me are mere temporary visitors here. please remember that your country is not this. you are here seeking prosperity and so are they. this country has a way of dealing with them and us and neither has been satisfactory so far. So my friend why side with one and sound righteous? Sympathy is universal and is shown even to the person going to be hanged. If ilegal immigration was such a big crime then why are the united states citizens debating about granting green cards to 11 million of these people here????? these people are neighbours and have been dependent on each other since ever.let us not meddle in their affairs. they assimilate better into the american culture than us.
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english_august
07-05 08:09 PM
The media needs to know, I do not have any idea how.
Media will know - if we get enough numbers. I am already in touch with a couple of journalists but the critical thing is to get a good number to make a media event out of it. The current poll shows 53 Ayes and 124 Nays - well that's not going to cut it. We need more people to order tomorrow otherwise delivery window for Tuesday morning will be shut off.
Media will know - if we get enough numbers. I am already in touch with a couple of journalists but the critical thing is to get a good number to make a media event out of it. The current poll shows 53 Ayes and 124 Nays - well that's not going to cut it. We need more people to order tomorrow otherwise delivery window for Tuesday morning will be shut off.
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mantagon
06-10 11:55 AM
for representing a community that can be so painfully thankless!!
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redds777
06-09 10:23 PM
Those of you who dont believe IV is not spending the money collected judiciously, I completely understand your concern. please attend one event and you see for yourself and then decide if you want to continue the donations. After seeing the usage of resources and efforts IV is putting i am sure you will be convinced . For ex; for this Event IV had to book Hyatt hotel conference room for 3 days in washington DC for co-ordinating and training the members who are meeting the lawmakers.Everything is expensive in DC as you may have noticed.
We are all professionals in IV. We dont want to make a living out of deceiving people. we all have our day jobs . we are trying to achieve a common goal which will benifit a lot of people on this forum and those who are not in this forum also .
you may be wondering why i am suddenly becoming more active and writing so many posts. you are right i had never written so many posts before and I am not one of teh core IV as well. After attending the event i realized how many other competing groups are aiming for the same pie ie. green cards for various categories through lobbying efforts on the hill. if we dont rise up and fight for our piece of the pie, other groups will eat our piece and leave the emply box for us .
Again do actively participate and give it a try you will be satisfied with the outcome.
Thanks
I never asked this question for myself
And I never discredited anyone for their effort
I am just chipping in with a suggestion on how to improve members' involvement level. It's unfortunate you have interpreted this as some kind of personal attack, which it is anything but
We are all professionals in IV. We dont want to make a living out of deceiving people. we all have our day jobs . we are trying to achieve a common goal which will benifit a lot of people on this forum and those who are not in this forum also .
you may be wondering why i am suddenly becoming more active and writing so many posts. you are right i had never written so many posts before and I am not one of teh core IV as well. After attending the event i realized how many other competing groups are aiming for the same pie ie. green cards for various categories through lobbying efforts on the hill. if we dont rise up and fight for our piece of the pie, other groups will eat our piece and leave the emply box for us .
Again do actively participate and give it a try you will be satisfied with the outcome.
Thanks
I never asked this question for myself
And I never discredited anyone for their effort
I am just chipping in with a suggestion on how to improve members' involvement level. It's unfortunate you have interpreted this as some kind of personal attack, which it is anything but
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JazzByTheBay
09-08 11:31 AM
Signs of a maturing organization and community....
It's always best to put oneself in the other person's shoes and see their point of view, if they have one.
Having said that, I would urge IV members to not respond to such comments with inappropriate language or responses. Remember, this is an organization of "high-skilled professionals", and act like one.
cheers, and see ya'll in DC!
jazz
he is just expressing concern that more action is not taken. i wrote param a pm to explain, also this thread will not continue indefinitely. we do however need to be clear in our stand and in our actions. we should be able to enunciate what we believe without resorting to the kind of vitriol that is thrown at us. personally i am waiting to see that- it's important even to grow as a community and achieve success that we develop this ability. our strength lies in the facts not in any hate or rhetoric.
be rest assured that ip's of those that post such stuff are tracked for action.
It's always best to put oneself in the other person's shoes and see their point of view, if they have one.
Having said that, I would urge IV members to not respond to such comments with inappropriate language or responses. Remember, this is an organization of "high-skilled professionals", and act like one.
cheers, and see ya'll in DC!
jazz
he is just expressing concern that more action is not taken. i wrote param a pm to explain, also this thread will not continue indefinitely. we do however need to be clear in our stand and in our actions. we should be able to enunciate what we believe without resorting to the kind of vitriol that is thrown at us. personally i am waiting to see that- it's important even to grow as a community and achieve success that we develop this ability. our strength lies in the facts not in any hate or rhetoric.
be rest assured that ip's of those that post such stuff are tracked for action.
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JimmyJolly
04-17 03:33 PM
This is one of the more reasonable proposals heard here. To give it more credibility, I think we should add an earnings threshold to it. Something like 500K to 1 million in cumulative W-2 earnings. No matter what your country of birth or your educational qualification is, If you contributed significantly to this country and you are law abiding then you deserve a little respect so that you can do more of the same.
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amitjoey
07-05 04:04 PM
Where do you get the special coupon?
On top of the website.
On top of the website.
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msp1976
02-03 09:09 PM
I have to first think of the words that I have to search for. Alisa has already picked on me that I don't even know ROW, RIR, Schedule A. This is not very useful for me.
Is there a Java Specification kind of book that I can start from begining to end? Thanks.
No one wants to pick on you...Please do not take the jabbing too seriously...We are all in this together..
Well the law code is kind of written in this fashion only...The cornell education site is better...Or just for the sake of how the numbers are devided between EB1/2/3 you can read the visa bulletin...It has a simplified breakup..
My comment about 'goobledegook' was not a criticism of your abilities...It was about the complexity of immigration code....Well you see..we all have to hire attorneys because of this complexity and no one is at fault...Am just trying to help in any way I can....
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3111.html
Is there a Java Specification kind of book that I can start from begining to end? Thanks.
No one wants to pick on you...Please do not take the jabbing too seriously...We are all in this together..
Well the law code is kind of written in this fashion only...The cornell education site is better...Or just for the sake of how the numbers are devided between EB1/2/3 you can read the visa bulletin...It has a simplified breakup..
My comment about 'goobledegook' was not a criticism of your abilities...It was about the complexity of immigration code....Well you see..we all have to hire attorneys because of this complexity and no one is at fault...Am just trying to help in any way I can....
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3111.html
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deecha
07-20 10:55 PM
Friends,
What I need to do now? My I-94 has wrong expiration date (I entered in US on 03/07/2007 and I got I-94 with expiration date as 01/10/2007). My attorney told me that it can be explained later. So, I've already file my 485 with a bad I-94.
Please let me know if anything can be done or still I can do something to correct this issue.
Thanks,
hi_mkg
There are 2 possibilities here :
a) Wait for RFE to be issued, then reply to the RFE with evidence document and a written explanation. It may not be as simple, as they might issue a NOID if the I-94 date causes you to be artificially out of status / unlawful stay for > 180 days. Again this is just a best guess. Ask your lawyer for a more detailed explanation.
b) Use the I-539 status change form along with written explanation requesting an extension of your status because of the wrong date on the I-94 issued to you. Mail to CSC or VSC depending on jurisdiction. They should issue you a new I-94. When you get this, file an amendment to your original 485 that was filed. Again, suggest this approach to your lawyer and see what he says.
All the best.
What I need to do now? My I-94 has wrong expiration date (I entered in US on 03/07/2007 and I got I-94 with expiration date as 01/10/2007). My attorney told me that it can be explained later. So, I've already file my 485 with a bad I-94.
Please let me know if anything can be done or still I can do something to correct this issue.
Thanks,
hi_mkg
There are 2 possibilities here :
a) Wait for RFE to be issued, then reply to the RFE with evidence document and a written explanation. It may not be as simple, as they might issue a NOID if the I-94 date causes you to be artificially out of status / unlawful stay for > 180 days. Again this is just a best guess. Ask your lawyer for a more detailed explanation.
b) Use the I-539 status change form along with written explanation requesting an extension of your status because of the wrong date on the I-94 issued to you. Mail to CSC or VSC depending on jurisdiction. They should issue you a new I-94. When you get this, file an amendment to your original 485 that was filed. Again, suggest this approach to your lawyer and see what he says.
All the best.
tikka
07-06 02:54 PM
Link : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Green_card_hopefuls_to_resort_to_Gandhigiri/articleshow/2183334.cms
WASHINGTON: Hundreds of Indian high-skilled professionals in the US who have been on a roller coaster ride over the past month in their effort to get the green card will draw attention next week to their frustration -- with white flowers.
In a unique display of Gandhigiri -- a demonstratively peaceful Gandhian protest popularised in a recent Hindi movie -- scores of Indian H1-B visa holders who feel jilted by the abrupt changes in US immigration rules are planning to deluge US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Emilio Gonzalez with flowers on July 10.
Their peaceful venting stems from a June 12 USCIS notification that promised to fast track the green card process for tens of thousands of skilled foreign professionals and their spouses -- only to disappoint later. The announcement led to a stampede in countries such as India and China for obtaining birth certificates and other related documents needed for the process. Applicants spent thousands of dollars to meet the requirements and the deadline.
But on Monday, USCIS rolled back its notification, turning, according to the lobby group Immigration Voice, "a glimmer of hope into despair."
The idea of overwhelming the USCIS office in Washington DC with flowers arose from a fervid discussion on the bulletin boards of Immigration Voice where many skilled workers vent their frustration over the long drawn green card process. Although there were some dissenting voices which said such gestures would be wasted, proponents of this form of Gandhigiri said up to 200 people had signed by for the flowery protest.
According to some estimates from Immigration Voice and its supporters, the Green Card flap affects more than 100,000 skilled workers and their spouses and family in India. Each applicant for the fast tract process announced by USCIS last month is said to have spent upward of $ 2000 to submit documentation.
Except for the $ 325 filing fees which USCIS has said it will refund, the rest of the money, including towards attorney fees, medical exams, couriers etc is down the drain, several applicants said.
"I'd guess that with about 100,000 people filing along with at least one secondary applicant each, that's $ 400 million down the drain. That's not chump change," Vikas Chowdhry, an applicant who has been closely tracking the process, told ToI.
The bonanza for immigration lawyers and physicians who conduct medical fitness tests, who had a busier four weeks than normal, comes on top of millions of dollars of social security tax that the US government collects each year from temporary guest workers (including H1-B visa holders). These guest workers don't get a refund when they return home if they do not qualify or wish not to become permanent US residents.
The Indian government has been trying in vain to arrive at a 'totalisation agreement' with the US in this regard to refund the money. But Washington has been resisting it because without continuous contribution from new immigrants, the country's social security system would go bust.
The 'florid' protest aside, AILF, the litigation arm of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, is also considering filing a lawsuit against USCIS for possibly having violated federal regulations and precedents, apart from the personal trauma and stress caused to individuals.
WASHINGTON: Hundreds of Indian high-skilled professionals in the US who have been on a roller coaster ride over the past month in their effort to get the green card will draw attention next week to their frustration -- with white flowers.
In a unique display of Gandhigiri -- a demonstratively peaceful Gandhian protest popularised in a recent Hindi movie -- scores of Indian H1-B visa holders who feel jilted by the abrupt changes in US immigration rules are planning to deluge US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Emilio Gonzalez with flowers on July 10.
Their peaceful venting stems from a June 12 USCIS notification that promised to fast track the green card process for tens of thousands of skilled foreign professionals and their spouses -- only to disappoint later. The announcement led to a stampede in countries such as India and China for obtaining birth certificates and other related documents needed for the process. Applicants spent thousands of dollars to meet the requirements and the deadline.
But on Monday, USCIS rolled back its notification, turning, according to the lobby group Immigration Voice, "a glimmer of hope into despair."
The idea of overwhelming the USCIS office in Washington DC with flowers arose from a fervid discussion on the bulletin boards of Immigration Voice where many skilled workers vent their frustration over the long drawn green card process. Although there were some dissenting voices which said such gestures would be wasted, proponents of this form of Gandhigiri said up to 200 people had signed by for the flowery protest.
According to some estimates from Immigration Voice and its supporters, the Green Card flap affects more than 100,000 skilled workers and their spouses and family in India. Each applicant for the fast tract process announced by USCIS last month is said to have spent upward of $ 2000 to submit documentation.
Except for the $ 325 filing fees which USCIS has said it will refund, the rest of the money, including towards attorney fees, medical exams, couriers etc is down the drain, several applicants said.
"I'd guess that with about 100,000 people filing along with at least one secondary applicant each, that's $ 400 million down the drain. That's not chump change," Vikas Chowdhry, an applicant who has been closely tracking the process, told ToI.
The bonanza for immigration lawyers and physicians who conduct medical fitness tests, who had a busier four weeks than normal, comes on top of millions of dollars of social security tax that the US government collects each year from temporary guest workers (including H1-B visa holders). These guest workers don't get a refund when they return home if they do not qualify or wish not to become permanent US residents.
The Indian government has been trying in vain to arrive at a 'totalisation agreement' with the US in this regard to refund the money. But Washington has been resisting it because without continuous contribution from new immigrants, the country's social security system would go bust.
The 'florid' protest aside, AILF, the litigation arm of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, is also considering filing a lawsuit against USCIS for possibly having violated federal regulations and precedents, apart from the personal trauma and stress caused to individuals.
anda007
07-08 11:49 PM
Thats wrong. This is not being posted by private people. It is being delivered and packaged by FTD/1800 flowers and such known company.
What u are saying would be true if people are sending envelopes with a 33cent stamp on it
All of this will be delivered to the building for sure
With all of the anthrax scares going on I'd be very surprised if they even allowed the flowers to be delivered to the building (especially if they are accompanied with get well soon cards). You may want to make sure that the flowers are being signed for and delivered before you send any more.
What u are saying would be true if people are sending envelopes with a 33cent stamp on it
All of this will be delivered to the building for sure
With all of the anthrax scares going on I'd be very surprised if they even allowed the flowers to be delivered to the building (especially if they are accompanied with get well soon cards). You may want to make sure that the flowers are being signed for and delivered before you send any more.