getgreensoon1
01-26 02:57 PM
2 people from Andhra get into top positions in IIT exams. 1600 people get caught going to fake universities in the US. That is a disgrace. People fron Andhra show desperation in the US and affect the diginity of every Indian in the US.
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cygent
02-24 01:08 AM
Some folks may have got away with it, the chance is low for an audit particularly if you earn <100k/yr. Do the research yourself independently. The conclusion will be that you CANNOT deduct these expenses. For TAX purposes Immigration has nothing to do with your work.
In addition for I-485, your EMPLOYER does NOT have to pay for it at all, since it based on the individual. I am am sure many of us have got into trouble because our "friends" or "relatives" have told us things just because they heard from other "FRIENDS" or "RELATIVES". I know of enough cases myself.
Hello IVans,
My employer did not pay for I485 expenses (USCIS fees, Lawyer expenses and Medical exam expenses). I paid all these expenses out of my pocket. Today one of my friends told me that these expenses could qualify as tax-deductible expenses. I have my doubts, but want to get you thoughts.
Thanks.
In addition for I-485, your EMPLOYER does NOT have to pay for it at all, since it based on the individual. I am am sure many of us have got into trouble because our "friends" or "relatives" have told us things just because they heard from other "FRIENDS" or "RELATIVES". I know of enough cases myself.
Hello IVans,
My employer did not pay for I485 expenses (USCIS fees, Lawyer expenses and Medical exam expenses). I paid all these expenses out of my pocket. Today one of my friends told me that these expenses could qualify as tax-deductible expenses. I have my doubts, but want to get you thoughts.
Thanks.
mhathi
07-20 09:15 AM
I searched for IV on orkut and got three communities back, one with 2 members and two empty.. which one are we joining?
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gc2009gc
10-30 03:05 PM
I have future GC filed from Company X, the priority date is February 2006.
I am currently working for Company Y on H1B. This H1B will expire in April 2009. Company Y is also ready to file my GC and I would like to work with Company Y till by future GC is approved, my question is
If I have already filed for 485, EAD and AP through Company X, scenario will it be advisable to file another labour and I-140 through Company Y now?
What could be the implications?
I am currently working for Company Y on H1B. This H1B will expire in April 2009. Company Y is also ready to file my GC and I would like to work with Company Y till by future GC is approved, my question is
If I have already filed for 485, EAD and AP through Company X, scenario will it be advisable to file another labour and I-140 through Company Y now?
What could be the implications?
more...
wandmaker
11-18 06:48 PM
enggr: You have completed the course in 2000 (per course completion certificate), but your degree was awarded in 2002 after you completed a supplemental exam. Since the position requires a candidate who qualifies for EB2, USCIS will deny your 140 petition. IMHO, you will have to start your green card journey from scratch.
permfiling
01-19 09:59 AM
All the written agreements are valid in most of the states. but you can argue on the terms of agreement. He cannot ask her to stay in the company for 4 years. If she works in that company for 1 year, her employer should recover all the money he spent on her.
The best way is to work there for 1 or 2 years and walk out without paying anything. Or just pay the filing fee and get out right away.
You are right Chris, last year few folks left the company and the company downsized as well. The only way to retain ppl and make them sweat is to hire H1's with the promise of GC who will be obliged to work.
The best way is to work there for 1 or 2 years and walk out without paying anything. Or just pay the filing fee and get out right away.
You are right Chris, last year few folks left the company and the company downsized as well. The only way to retain ppl and make them sweat is to hire H1's with the promise of GC who will be obliged to work.
more...
shreekarthik
06-08 05:57 PM
Guys,
I have approved EB3 LC and approved I 140 with PD JAN 2002. My wife has approved EB2 LC (Perm) and Approved I 140 with PD JAN 2006
As we represent one family can't my wife use my PD and apply I 485 under EB2.
for example If husband is born in a retrogressed country and wife in a non retrogressed country in that case, husband gets a free ride !
Why not in this case ? Just curious !
in case of spouses having different nationality, we can flip the primary applicant and are not mis-matching the priority dates. So if ur wife is from a non-retro country her PD is still going JAN 2006 but since she is from non-retro she has greater chance of success.
But here u want ur priority date to be applied to your spouse application and that's not legally possible. As the other poster says u can try PERM for EB2 and xfer ur old PD to the new PERM.
I have approved EB3 LC and approved I 140 with PD JAN 2002. My wife has approved EB2 LC (Perm) and Approved I 140 with PD JAN 2006
As we represent one family can't my wife use my PD and apply I 485 under EB2.
for example If husband is born in a retrogressed country and wife in a non retrogressed country in that case, husband gets a free ride !
Why not in this case ? Just curious !
in case of spouses having different nationality, we can flip the primary applicant and are not mis-matching the priority dates. So if ur wife is from a non-retro country her PD is still going JAN 2006 but since she is from non-retro she has greater chance of success.
But here u want ur priority date to be applied to your spouse application and that's not legally possible. As the other poster says u can try PERM for EB2 and xfer ur old PD to the new PERM.
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kumarc123
08-13 02:09 PM
after rolling out the sept visa ... rao saab aaram kar rahe hain...
kindly not "DISTUB"
:D:D:D
(translation : __mr rao is resting__)
Come on guys, give him a break.
His analysis was accurate, if any of you came across the September 08 bulletin, EB2 advanced by two months. Which equates to what vldrao analyzed in the past, the use of 20,000 visas in September.
We all IV members stand united and lets not adverse someone on the basis of his righteousness. Even if a IV member is wrong, let's all correct him.
Thanks
kindly not "DISTUB"
:D:D:D
(translation : __mr rao is resting__)
Come on guys, give him a break.
His analysis was accurate, if any of you came across the September 08 bulletin, EB2 advanced by two months. Which equates to what vldrao analyzed in the past, the use of 20,000 visas in September.
We all IV members stand united and lets not adverse someone on the basis of his righteousness. Even if a IV member is wrong, let's all correct him.
Thanks
more...
Dhundhun
11-18 12:52 PM
I have heard that your FP/biometrics does not have anything to with EAD.
USCIS has its own guideline of issuing EAD within 90 days. Since there was heavy work load after July, they issued without FP. For the EADs issued without FP, they are re-issuing EAD with FP.:)
USCIS has its own guideline of issuing EAD within 90 days. Since there was heavy work load after July, they issued without FP. For the EADs issued without FP, they are re-issuing EAD with FP.:)
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b2visahelp
07-09 04:41 PM
1. My parents included their Indonesian bank statement in rupiah. And they went to US embassy in Jakarta, their hometown. Does it make a difference to go to other city after they got rejected twice? If so, which one?
2. I had never gone back to Indonesia since I got the asylum. I'm not supposed to although I have already got my greencard. In fact, VO asked them if I ever went back to Indonesia. And my parents said no.
3. I didn't include my US bank statement because my parents self-sponsor themselves. I don't have much anyway to sponsor them.
Please let me know your advice. Thank you so much.
2. I had never gone back to Indonesia since I got the asylum. I'm not supposed to although I have already got my greencard. In fact, VO asked them if I ever went back to Indonesia. And my parents said no.
3. I didn't include my US bank statement because my parents self-sponsor themselves. I don't have much anyway to sponsor them.
Please let me know your advice. Thank you so much.
more...
chanduv23
06-06 11:29 PM
I'm in Chicago and will like to move to Atlanta area....Do you guys know how is the IT market (Architect, .NET) doing in this area? Looking at dice and computerjobs, i do see the same jobs getting repeated...Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated..
I lived in Atlanta for 4 years. The job market is just OK there. Not quite sure your reason for the move from Chicago, but if you are looking for weather and job prospects then, Dallas, TX could be a better choice. I maybe wrong but based on what I see - there seem to be more opportunities in the metroplex area
I lived in Atlanta for 4 years. The job market is just OK there. Not quite sure your reason for the move from Chicago, but if you are looking for weather and job prospects then, Dallas, TX could be a better choice. I maybe wrong but based on what I see - there seem to be more opportunities in the metroplex area
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arbhaat
10-08 08:06 PM
I think this was my lawyer's contention too when she described to me about being in EAD as well as H-4. As long as my husband is in H-1, I would be in H-4 contrary to most discussions that take place here. I think USCIS, has no clear explanation for this situation!!
Advance parole is similar to this, you have H1 but you become parolee. I don't understand. Any other comments from other applicants?
i think once you use EAD to work, your H4 status has to expire. as someone said above, H4 by definition is a dependent visa and does not allow independent earnings (no job, no business nothing)
as per your next question, usually a person with valid H1B would not use AP to re-enter. Only a person on EAD would use AP to re-enter. Now what if one applies, gets and uses AP to re-enter even after having valid H1B (and no EAD), I don't know what the resultant status is?
Advance parole is similar to this, you have H1 but you become parolee. I don't understand. Any other comments from other applicants?
i think once you use EAD to work, your H4 status has to expire. as someone said above, H4 by definition is a dependent visa and does not allow independent earnings (no job, no business nothing)
as per your next question, usually a person with valid H1B would not use AP to re-enter. Only a person on EAD would use AP to re-enter. Now what if one applies, gets and uses AP to re-enter even after having valid H1B (and no EAD), I don't know what the resultant status is?
more...
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belmontboy
02-26 05:37 PM
Original LCA salary is like 58k and current one is 40k
40K??? you kidding right?
You probably would earn more if you are working at Walmart. See if you can transfer your H1B to Walmart
40K??? you kidding right?
You probably would earn more if you are working at Walmart. See if you can transfer your H1B to Walmart
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CADude
01-12 01:20 PM
This is illegal to send passport across country. Talk to Attorney. I will suggest for India trip, if required or notirized copy of passport.
more...
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hopelessGC
04-20 10:59 AM
Rather, an Indian dude, or for that matter dudes everywhere would worry the most about the to-be-bride.
Of course, he doesn't want her financial burdens spoil the honeymoon, jk :D
Depending on what the payoff amount is, you can try getting a personal loan from DCU or a similar credit union at a low rate and payoff the India loan. And yes, you should check whether 13.5% interest is worse than the 6-7% interest you will pay on a US loan; so crunch some numbers using that calculator that is biting dust.
One thought...why don't you just pay cash down?
Of course, he doesn't want her financial burdens spoil the honeymoon, jk :D
Depending on what the payoff amount is, you can try getting a personal loan from DCU or a similar credit union at a low rate and payoff the India loan. And yes, you should check whether 13.5% interest is worse than the 6-7% interest you will pay on a US loan; so crunch some numbers using that calculator that is biting dust.
One thought...why don't you just pay cash down?
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villamonte6100
08-21 09:39 AM
It is my turn to receive the "Notice mailed welcoming the new permanent resident" today. My depenedents are yet to receive this mail. This forum, Immigration-law, Immigration portal by Rajiv Khanna and many other immigration lawyers' websites like Murthy's etc were very useful to understand the immigration laws.
I did everything myself (EB2-NIW - India) - I140, I485, AP and EAD and my PD (I140 RD) and I485 RD are 08-30-2005.
I did make a one time conribution of $100.00 to IV.
Thanks a lot. All the best to all.
Do you still need to go for an interview? I just wanted to know and what kind of questions they ask during the interview. You could provide us with very helpful tips and what to expect.
I did everything myself (EB2-NIW - India) - I140, I485, AP and EAD and my PD (I140 RD) and I485 RD are 08-30-2005.
I did make a one time conribution of $100.00 to IV.
Thanks a lot. All the best to all.
Do you still need to go for an interview? I just wanted to know and what kind of questions they ask during the interview. You could provide us with very helpful tips and what to expect.
more...
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Soul
06-14 08:36 AM
:beam: Thanks for all your votes peoples!
I vow never to design to this standard again :P:P
- Soul :s:
I vow never to design to this standard again :P:P
- Soul :s:
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chantu
06-04 10:13 AM
I had a account in Bank of America, and they sent me a letter when i asked them to send a "Account verification letter for Immigration purposes" They charged me $10 for that and took around a week. See if you can open a account at a local bank and try transfering the money to that account, Before you decide on opening a account , confirm if they issue such a letter.
I advise not to do like this guy is saying. My suggesstion is if it is really not possible for you to get the letter, just send last 6 months of bank statements. And let your parent tell VO that your bank gives letter in person & you live far away from that bank. Majority cases, they will not even ask for any bank letters or statements. My suggesstion is to send both Indiana bank and HSBC bank statements for last 6 months. That will be good.
I advise not to do like this guy is saying. My suggesstion is if it is really not possible for you to get the letter, just send last 6 months of bank statements. And let your parent tell VO that your bank gives letter in person & you live far away from that bank. Majority cases, they will not even ask for any bank letters or statements. My suggesstion is to send both Indiana bank and HSBC bank statements for last 6 months. That will be good.
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Bpositive
01-02 01:59 AM
Happy New Year!
My new year begins with another immigration issue..need some urgent advice.
My wife went to the US Consulate in Chennai today for her first time H-1 stamping. She completed her Phd in Biology from the US and has been working for almost a year for a US biotech company. The consular officer has asked her to submit additional information -221(g); mostly about her job and the company. I can't understand it! Most of the information asked has already been submitted to the INS in reponse to a H-1 RFE.
My wife has an Advance Parole document and EAD based on my I-485 application.
Can you suggest options for her?
1. can she forget about the H-1, not respond to the 221(g) and travel back on advance parole and start working on EAD?
2. If after submission of 221(g) her visa gets rejected, can she still use the Advance Parole to travel to US and work on her EAD?
3. Any other options/advice?
My new year begins with another immigration issue..need some urgent advice.
My wife went to the US Consulate in Chennai today for her first time H-1 stamping. She completed her Phd in Biology from the US and has been working for almost a year for a US biotech company. The consular officer has asked her to submit additional information -221(g); mostly about her job and the company. I can't understand it! Most of the information asked has already been submitted to the INS in reponse to a H-1 RFE.
My wife has an Advance Parole document and EAD based on my I-485 application.
Can you suggest options for her?
1. can she forget about the H-1, not respond to the 221(g) and travel back on advance parole and start working on EAD?
2. If after submission of 221(g) her visa gets rejected, can she still use the Advance Parole to travel to US and work on her EAD?
3. Any other options/advice?
walking_dude
11-25 11:52 AM
Dear Friend,
Immigration Voice (IV) [http://www.immigrationvoice.org] (http://www.immigrationvoice.org%5D), a grassroots organization working to solve the issues faced by employment-based immigrants, is planning a DC Rally during the first week of March 2009 to bring the issues faced by our community to the notice of US lawmakers.
Details of this initiative are provided here - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22519
I request you to join IV as a member and support this initiative by indicating your interest to participate in the DC Rally and Lobby Day (visiting lawmaker offices to seek their support)
As you might know our community is facing the following situation
1) 140,000 total numbers per year worldwide vs. 1 million applicants and their families waiting in the line. Some from 2001 and may be before that ! It's common sense that it will take at least 6 years to clear just the current backlog, if there were no per country quotas.
2) Per country quotas of 7% exacerbate the situation to applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, Mexico and Phillipines. Approximately just 10,000 visa numbers are available to India where as it's estimated that at least 44% of the applicants may be from India ( based on USCIS statistics of around 44% of H1bs being granted to India every year). As spouse and children are counted, considering 4 members per family, on an average only 2500 Indian applicants get Green cards in a year. As you can see the numbers are dismal.
Meaning, if you are from India, China, Mexico or Phillipines, you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to get your Green Card or more
3) Between USCIS and DOS (Department of State that runs the Visa bulletin) a number visas get wasted every year, worsening the already BAD situation. For instance between 1994 and now 218,000 GCs were wasted by USCIS. ]If the trend continues, it may well mean 15+ years for India/China/Mexico/Phillipines
Now I know the problems ! What's the solution?
1) Increase worldwide EB GC numbers to 290,000 per year or more
2) Eliminate country quotas
3) Exempt spouses and children ( dependents) from the GC quota (this will effectively double the quota)
4) Since USCIS inefficiency cannot be fixed by us, implement a 'Rollover' of unused visas to the next year(s)
5) Recapture the unused number of 218,000 visas . This may mean you'll get GC or at least see PDs jump forward by a few years (reducing your wait time tremendously)
6) Lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions.
I know the solution. But, pray, who'll bell the cat?
Fortunately for us, there is an organization that is working 100% exclusively for our cause. Immigration Voice ( http://www.immigrationvoice.org) a non-profit organization formed by EB immigrants to work for our cause. Starting with barely 200 members when it was formed in 2005, now it boasts a membership of 30,000 members and around 30 state chapters serving every US state with significant EB immigrant population.
Immigration Voice ( fondly called IV by it's members) lobbies the US Congress and USCIS to provide relief to us. They have hired a high-profile lobbying firm Patton Bloggs to do lobbying for our cause. In addition they also do grassroots lobbying at State chapter level with the local Congressmen.
What's Lobbying? Is it Legal for non-citizens ?
Lobbying or 'Advocacy' is the act of Petitoning the US Government to redress issues faced by any person living in the United States. It's a right guaranteed by US Constitution (First Amendment) to every person living in the United States, citizen or not.
Just like you can argue your own case in a court of law (if you choose to do it), you can also lobby or petition the US Government on your own. If you chose so, you can also hire a professional lobbying firm to do it for you, just like you can hire a lawyer to represent you in the court. Both are legally guaranteed rights. It's common sense that a professional does a better job - be it an experienced lawyer or a lobbying firm. Getting professional help greatly increases the chances of success.
Boy, It must be really COSTLY to hire those DC Lobbyists?
You are right. They are costly, but IV has been managing to keep the effort funded through sacrifices of it's Leadership (IV Core group), voluntary contributions from it's members, local fundraising campaigns by State chapters and selling IV-branded merchandise.
Contributions are what keep IV ticking and working for you.
I understand IV has been doing all this? Have they had any success so far? I don't want to invest in a campaign destined for failure !
IVs success record so far in the order of signifance to EB community
1) July Visa bulletin Reversal - Due to flip-flop by USCIS 350,000 applicants were denied the promised ability to file I-485 in July 2007. Chances are you might have been one of them ! We faced the grim prospect of losing thousands of dollars and countless hours of effort .
IV conducted 'Flower Campaign', i.e sending Flowers to USCIS director Emilio Ganzales to request redressal of this unfair decision (in the spirit of passive resistance movement of Mahatma Gandhi). It provided wide media coverage to the issue nationwide.
IV through it's California chapter, conducted the successful 'San Jose Rally' to highlight the isue to the Congressmen through the media. It also took an active role in petitioning San Jose Congresswoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren to help fix the issue. As it turns out Madame Lofgren, who also happens to be the Chairwoman of House sub-commitee on Immigration, was instrumental in forcing USCIS to rescind (revert) it's prior unjust decision ! An IV effort that paid rich dividends.
IV actively particpated in discussions with USCIS in deciding the modality of reversing the decision, and was the first group to announce it, even before USCIS and US Department of State !
IV Walked the Talk and helped the EB Community immensely
3) Lobbying USCIS for administrative reforms - IV participated in the FBI Namecheck backlog reduction meeting ( when it approached alarming figures with some waiting for 1-3 years), where USCIS announced increased FBI funding to expedite the checks and other process improvements to increase efficiency.
IV also successfully lobbied USCIS to increase validity of EAD/AP to 2 years from the previous validity period of 1 year. It has resulted in a saving of at least $1400 per year for every EB immigrant family that has filed I-485
IV continues to lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions
All right. Is there anything I can do to help IV?
Definitely ! IV is an organization of volunteers just like you and me. There are several ways you can help IV. For starters by participating in the very important upcoming DC Rally and the Lobby Day.
Just spread the word. Forward this E-mail to all your friends waiting for GCs.
1) Join : IV forums are a good source for finding answers to Immigration related matters and exchange information. IV also conducts pro-bono (FREE) lawyer conferences for members on a regular basis.
Website link - http://www.immigrationvoice.org.
Member registration - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/register.php
2) Contribute : As you have understood, Lobbying requires lot of funding. IV needs your support to keep the good work running.
You can contribute either one time or join as a monthly (recurring) contributor [preferred] here -
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=44
You can send ANY AMOUNT to IV as a contribution. All you need to do it create a PayPal account (if you don't have one), register a bank acount/Credit Card with PayPal (if not already done). Send money to IV using E-mail id - donations@immigrationvoice.org
3) Volunteer : If you are open to volunteering, you can join your local State Chapter of IV. State chapters conduct activities such -
a) Lawmaker meetings with Congressmen to discuss issues faced by EB immigrants
b) Fundraising at local Events
c) IV publicity through Flyers at public places & Events
d) Local media outreach to get media coverage for EB community
Benefits of joining : State Chapters provide more detailed coverage of IV updates issued from time to time than available at IV forums (restricted due to presence of anti-immigrants). They also provide updates early ( 2-3 days before stuff gets posted on IV)
How to join ? : Yahoo/Google groups for the State chapters are listed here.
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=52 ( Scroll to the bottom !)
Submit a request to join your State chapter with your - IV id, Full Name, E-mail, Telephone number (mandatory to filter anti-immigrants). State chapter leaders will call to verify and you are in !
You have covered it in detail. Yet, I have many unanswered questions! Whom should I contact to get more info?
Ask IV !
Call - (202) 386-6250
E-mail - info@immigrationvoice.org
Immigration Voice (IV) [http://www.immigrationvoice.org] (http://www.immigrationvoice.org%5D), a grassroots organization working to solve the issues faced by employment-based immigrants, is planning a DC Rally during the first week of March 2009 to bring the issues faced by our community to the notice of US lawmakers.
Details of this initiative are provided here - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22519
I request you to join IV as a member and support this initiative by indicating your interest to participate in the DC Rally and Lobby Day (visiting lawmaker offices to seek their support)
As you might know our community is facing the following situation
1) 140,000 total numbers per year worldwide vs. 1 million applicants and their families waiting in the line. Some from 2001 and may be before that ! It's common sense that it will take at least 6 years to clear just the current backlog, if there were no per country quotas.
2) Per country quotas of 7% exacerbate the situation to applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, Mexico and Phillipines. Approximately just 10,000 visa numbers are available to India where as it's estimated that at least 44% of the applicants may be from India ( based on USCIS statistics of around 44% of H1bs being granted to India every year). As spouse and children are counted, considering 4 members per family, on an average only 2500 Indian applicants get Green cards in a year. As you can see the numbers are dismal.
Meaning, if you are from India, China, Mexico or Phillipines, you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to get your Green Card or more
3) Between USCIS and DOS (Department of State that runs the Visa bulletin) a number visas get wasted every year, worsening the already BAD situation. For instance between 1994 and now 218,000 GCs were wasted by USCIS. ]If the trend continues, it may well mean 15+ years for India/China/Mexico/Phillipines
Now I know the problems ! What's the solution?
1) Increase worldwide EB GC numbers to 290,000 per year or more
2) Eliminate country quotas
3) Exempt spouses and children ( dependents) from the GC quota (this will effectively double the quota)
4) Since USCIS inefficiency cannot be fixed by us, implement a 'Rollover' of unused visas to the next year(s)
5) Recapture the unused number of 218,000 visas . This may mean you'll get GC or at least see PDs jump forward by a few years (reducing your wait time tremendously)
6) Lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions.
I know the solution. But, pray, who'll bell the cat?
Fortunately for us, there is an organization that is working 100% exclusively for our cause. Immigration Voice ( http://www.immigrationvoice.org) a non-profit organization formed by EB immigrants to work for our cause. Starting with barely 200 members when it was formed in 2005, now it boasts a membership of 30,000 members and around 30 state chapters serving every US state with significant EB immigrant population.
Immigration Voice ( fondly called IV by it's members) lobbies the US Congress and USCIS to provide relief to us. They have hired a high-profile lobbying firm Patton Bloggs to do lobbying for our cause. In addition they also do grassroots lobbying at State chapter level with the local Congressmen.
What's Lobbying? Is it Legal for non-citizens ?
Lobbying or 'Advocacy' is the act of Petitoning the US Government to redress issues faced by any person living in the United States. It's a right guaranteed by US Constitution (First Amendment) to every person living in the United States, citizen or not.
Just like you can argue your own case in a court of law (if you choose to do it), you can also lobby or petition the US Government on your own. If you chose so, you can also hire a professional lobbying firm to do it for you, just like you can hire a lawyer to represent you in the court. Both are legally guaranteed rights. It's common sense that a professional does a better job - be it an experienced lawyer or a lobbying firm. Getting professional help greatly increases the chances of success.
Boy, It must be really COSTLY to hire those DC Lobbyists?
You are right. They are costly, but IV has been managing to keep the effort funded through sacrifices of it's Leadership (IV Core group), voluntary contributions from it's members, local fundraising campaigns by State chapters and selling IV-branded merchandise.
Contributions are what keep IV ticking and working for you.
I understand IV has been doing all this? Have they had any success so far? I don't want to invest in a campaign destined for failure !
IVs success record so far in the order of signifance to EB community
1) July Visa bulletin Reversal - Due to flip-flop by USCIS 350,000 applicants were denied the promised ability to file I-485 in July 2007. Chances are you might have been one of them ! We faced the grim prospect of losing thousands of dollars and countless hours of effort .
IV conducted 'Flower Campaign', i.e sending Flowers to USCIS director Emilio Ganzales to request redressal of this unfair decision (in the spirit of passive resistance movement of Mahatma Gandhi). It provided wide media coverage to the issue nationwide.
IV through it's California chapter, conducted the successful 'San Jose Rally' to highlight the isue to the Congressmen through the media. It also took an active role in petitioning San Jose Congresswoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren to help fix the issue. As it turns out Madame Lofgren, who also happens to be the Chairwoman of House sub-commitee on Immigration, was instrumental in forcing USCIS to rescind (revert) it's prior unjust decision ! An IV effort that paid rich dividends.
IV actively particpated in discussions with USCIS in deciding the modality of reversing the decision, and was the first group to announce it, even before USCIS and US Department of State !
IV Walked the Talk and helped the EB Community immensely
3) Lobbying USCIS for administrative reforms - IV participated in the FBI Namecheck backlog reduction meeting ( when it approached alarming figures with some waiting for 1-3 years), where USCIS announced increased FBI funding to expedite the checks and other process improvements to increase efficiency.
IV also successfully lobbied USCIS to increase validity of EAD/AP to 2 years from the previous validity period of 1 year. It has resulted in a saving of at least $1400 per year for every EB immigrant family that has filed I-485
IV continues to lobby USCIS to relax USCIS strict determination of 'same and similar jobs' (defined by AC21 law) to provide job mobility and promotions
All right. Is there anything I can do to help IV?
Definitely ! IV is an organization of volunteers just like you and me. There are several ways you can help IV. For starters by participating in the very important upcoming DC Rally and the Lobby Day.
Just spread the word. Forward this E-mail to all your friends waiting for GCs.
1) Join : IV forums are a good source for finding answers to Immigration related matters and exchange information. IV also conducts pro-bono (FREE) lawyer conferences for members on a regular basis.
Website link - http://www.immigrationvoice.org.
Member registration - http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/register.php
2) Contribute : As you have understood, Lobbying requires lot of funding. IV needs your support to keep the good work running.
You can contribute either one time or join as a monthly (recurring) contributor [preferred] here -
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=44
You can send ANY AMOUNT to IV as a contribution. All you need to do it create a PayPal account (if you don't have one), register a bank acount/Credit Card with PayPal (if not already done). Send money to IV using E-mail id - donations@immigrationvoice.org
3) Volunteer : If you are open to volunteering, you can join your local State Chapter of IV. State chapters conduct activities such -
a) Lawmaker meetings with Congressmen to discuss issues faced by EB immigrants
b) Fundraising at local Events
c) IV publicity through Flyers at public places & Events
d) Local media outreach to get media coverage for EB community
Benefits of joining : State Chapters provide more detailed coverage of IV updates issued from time to time than available at IV forums (restricted due to presence of anti-immigrants). They also provide updates early ( 2-3 days before stuff gets posted on IV)
How to join ? : Yahoo/Google groups for the State chapters are listed here.
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=52 ( Scroll to the bottom !)
Submit a request to join your State chapter with your - IV id, Full Name, E-mail, Telephone number (mandatory to filter anti-immigrants). State chapter leaders will call to verify and you are in !
You have covered it in detail. Yet, I have many unanswered questions! Whom should I contact to get more info?
Ask IV !
Call - (202) 386-6250
E-mail - info@immigrationvoice.org
Dakota Newfie
03-27 09:18 AM
My immigration attorney said it was OK for my wife to "volunteer" as long as the work was "volunteer", i.e. something a US citizen could "volunteer" to do.
She volunteered to work at a local library and it was a good diversion until they set a schedule for her and removed a job posting in the same library - then it became both a question of her being exploited and taking a job away from a US citizen, so she had to give it up. So, the lessen is, if it is truly volunteer work, then your spouse should be able to set his/her own schedule; if the schedule is set for him/her, then it becomes a problem.
She volunteered to work at a local library and it was a good diversion until they set a schedule for her and removed a job posting in the same library - then it became both a question of her being exploited and taking a job away from a US citizen, so she had to give it up. So, the lessen is, if it is truly volunteer work, then your spouse should be able to set his/her own schedule; if the schedule is set for him/her, then it becomes a problem.
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