watzgc
08-28 05:09 PM
Got 2 year EAD from NSC while pending i140 for more than 1 yrs.
wallpaper Tags: answers, ieber, hate,
redcard
08-17 03:08 PM
Sounds like someone at SSN office who may not know much about immigration.
If your I 797 came with attached I94, then you certainly can apply for SSN card. Just ask for supervisor at the SS office and talk to them.
If your I 797 does not have attached I 94 (meaning that you are still in H4 status), then I do not know for sure what the procedure would be to apply for SS card.
Good Luck.
Thanks redcard,
Now , am in the second category..Have an H1 but my i94 is on H4 stamping ..I hold an Indian passport , do you know if i should get the H1 stamping (first time stamping) in India or can i conveniently get it done in Canada?
If your H1 approval notice did not come with the I-94 printed on it, then Canada is definitely an option to get it stamped, however its always better to get the first time stamping done in your home country.
You could also get your status changed while in US, but that would take additional fees and time. Speak to your H1-b sponsor about it.
btw, I would still check the approval notice to make sure that notice does not have an I-94 printed on the bottom of it. The I-94 printed at the bottom of the notice will have the same I-94 number as the one you have stapled to your passport, but will now have your status as H1 instead of H4.
If your I 797 came with attached I94, then you certainly can apply for SSN card. Just ask for supervisor at the SS office and talk to them.
If your I 797 does not have attached I 94 (meaning that you are still in H4 status), then I do not know for sure what the procedure would be to apply for SS card.
Good Luck.
Thanks redcard,
Now , am in the second category..Have an H1 but my i94 is on H4 stamping ..I hold an Indian passport , do you know if i should get the H1 stamping (first time stamping) in India or can i conveniently get it done in Canada?
If your H1 approval notice did not come with the I-94 printed on it, then Canada is definitely an option to get it stamped, however its always better to get the first time stamping done in your home country.
You could also get your status changed while in US, but that would take additional fees and time. Speak to your H1-b sponsor about it.
btw, I would still check the approval notice to make sure that notice does not have an I-94 printed on the bottom of it. The I-94 printed at the bottom of the notice will have the same I-94 number as the one you have stapled to your passport, but will now have your status as H1 instead of H4.
pappu
08-04 02:42 PM
Green..
May be you are joking or you didnt get my point.. I was wondering if there are any people who support these DOL sw/hw Systems are struck in Labor as well.
yes it will be funny if any of Exceed employee working in backlog center is also affcted by backlog of his labor application there.
May be you are joking or you didnt get my point.. I was wondering if there are any people who support these DOL sw/hw Systems are struck in Labor as well.
yes it will be funny if any of Exceed employee working in backlog center is also affcted by backlog of his labor application there.
2011 justin bieber hates you.
whattodo21
04-20 01:44 PM
the question is when we march with them, will we be marching for amnesty or for our issues. If we are marching for our issues, where, when and who will we be making this case to? I don't consider myself better than the undocumented, but I would like to know will I have a voice?
One may choose to sleepwalk with this complex (superiority?) that I am not one of them, but the reality on the ground is different. Our cause is hostage to bitter politics and guess what the only way at this point in time we can possibly achieve our goal by playing the politics right.
BTW in politics right or wrong is rarely a consideration.
One may choose to sleepwalk with this complex (superiority?) that I am not one of them, but the reality on the ground is different. Our cause is hostage to bitter politics and guess what the only way at this point in time we can possibly achieve our goal by playing the politics right.
BTW in politics right or wrong is rarely a consideration.
more...
loudoggs
10-31 01:40 PM
Here you go....search for USCIS Application Support Center in google....Unable to find phone number....
https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.detail&office=XAC&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC&OfficeLocator.statecode=GA
Street Address
The Application Support Center that serves your area is located in Atlanta, GA.
The address is:
USCIS Application Support Center
1255 Collier Road, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30318.
Office Hours and Directions
OFFICE HOURS:
This office provides services to the general public by appointment from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Tuesday through Saturday.
This office provides services to military personnel from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Military personnel do not need an appointment.
Does anyone know phone no. and office hours for Atlanta Field Office. Thanks
https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.detail&office=XAC&OfficeLocator.office_type=ASC&OfficeLocator.statecode=GA
Street Address
The Application Support Center that serves your area is located in Atlanta, GA.
The address is:
USCIS Application Support Center
1255 Collier Road, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30318.
Office Hours and Directions
OFFICE HOURS:
This office provides services to the general public by appointment from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Tuesday through Saturday.
This office provides services to military personnel from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Military personnel do not need an appointment.
Does anyone know phone no. and office hours for Atlanta Field Office. Thanks
haeveingridseyn
09-09 07:56 AM
Hi Everyone..
Thanks for providing this information . I am also searching this type of topic.
Its really helpful to forum members and solve many problem.
Keep it up.
Thanks for providing this information . I am also searching this type of topic.
Its really helpful to forum members and solve many problem.
Keep it up.
more...
waitingnwaiting
05-09 09:30 AM
I wanted to share my success story of getting I-485s re-opened with the help of IV last week. Let me start with the end result first and those interested in details could read further!
Synopsis
After 4 months wait since the wrongful denial of our 485s, I contacted Immigration Voice (IV) core team for help on April 25, 2011 as a last resort. On the next day morning (April 26th), I received a phone call from USCIS Headquarters in D.C. and the officer informed that Service Center approved my MTR and reopened 485s, and I should receive system updates in a day. At the end of the day, I got email updates confirming re-opening of 485s. It was an incredible moment in my life to receive a call from USCIS about my case. I am very grateful to the IV leadership and its deep relationships within USCIS and DHS. Prior to contacting IV, I filed an expedite request with USCIS, contacted Ombudsman, and contacted my Senator as well. I received standard responses but no positive result. Adding fuel to the fire, my EAD was due to expire in July 2011.
At the end, even though I never anticipated issues with my 485, I was very happy to see that my active participation with IV’s advocacy efforts over the last few years opened up several options for me to seek help.
Prologue
During the middle of last year my attorney moved their offices and we filed a new G-28 for address change. After couple of months of this address change, during early Nov’2010 USCIS apparently sent a NOID asking for AC21 employment letter to the old address of the attorney. USCIS did not send text or email even though both me and my attorney subscribed to the notifications. USCIS did not even send a copy of this notice to me. After 30 days of original notice, USCIS updated their system that their mail was returned. This was the first time we came to know about the outstanding notice from USCIS. We immediately contacted USCIS and requested for a copy of NOID. In the meantime, 33 days elapsed, and USCIS promptly denied I-485s of me and my family. I have been working on EAD and it was due to expire in July 2011.
Life after denials
I requested my company for AC21 letter and after receiving the employment letter, my attorney filed I-290B MTR around the end of Dec’2011. I continued to work as usual using my EAD. After couple of months of waiting, I requested USCIS to expedite. Their response was to wait 30 days. Nothing happened. Then, I simultaneously contacted my Senator’s office and Ombudsman. I promptly received responses that they would look into this and I should expect a response from USCIS within 15 days. Based on these responses, I should have received approval by the first week of April. Again, nothing happened until the 3rd week of April. I was becoming wary of my EAD expiry and applying for renewal within 90 days of expiry.
IV’s Advocacy Days in D.C.
I have been a donor for the last few years and actively participated in advocacy days of 2010 and 2011. During this year’s advocacy event, I met IV core team and explained my case. Based on their advice, I waited to see if USCIS responds by mid of April. After long wait and exhausting all options, I requested help from IV. As I mentioned, within 24 hours, I got the approval of MTR and our status was restored!
Though not everyone gets into this kind of trouble, it is very heartening to note that there is someone (IV) behind us to help when in need.
Final Request to Readers:
As someone who associated with IV for the last few years and after going through this ordeal with USCIS, I recommend all those waiting in line or waiting to be in line (for GC) to start associating with IV. No matter how little time or money you could afford to work with IV, every minute and every cent is well worth it! Please Get Involved with IV! Thanks.
Do you get confirmation of G28?
Synopsis
After 4 months wait since the wrongful denial of our 485s, I contacted Immigration Voice (IV) core team for help on April 25, 2011 as a last resort. On the next day morning (April 26th), I received a phone call from USCIS Headquarters in D.C. and the officer informed that Service Center approved my MTR and reopened 485s, and I should receive system updates in a day. At the end of the day, I got email updates confirming re-opening of 485s. It was an incredible moment in my life to receive a call from USCIS about my case. I am very grateful to the IV leadership and its deep relationships within USCIS and DHS. Prior to contacting IV, I filed an expedite request with USCIS, contacted Ombudsman, and contacted my Senator as well. I received standard responses but no positive result. Adding fuel to the fire, my EAD was due to expire in July 2011.
At the end, even though I never anticipated issues with my 485, I was very happy to see that my active participation with IV’s advocacy efforts over the last few years opened up several options for me to seek help.
Prologue
During the middle of last year my attorney moved their offices and we filed a new G-28 for address change. After couple of months of this address change, during early Nov’2010 USCIS apparently sent a NOID asking for AC21 employment letter to the old address of the attorney. USCIS did not send text or email even though both me and my attorney subscribed to the notifications. USCIS did not even send a copy of this notice to me. After 30 days of original notice, USCIS updated their system that their mail was returned. This was the first time we came to know about the outstanding notice from USCIS. We immediately contacted USCIS and requested for a copy of NOID. In the meantime, 33 days elapsed, and USCIS promptly denied I-485s of me and my family. I have been working on EAD and it was due to expire in July 2011.
Life after denials
I requested my company for AC21 letter and after receiving the employment letter, my attorney filed I-290B MTR around the end of Dec’2011. I continued to work as usual using my EAD. After couple of months of waiting, I requested USCIS to expedite. Their response was to wait 30 days. Nothing happened. Then, I simultaneously contacted my Senator’s office and Ombudsman. I promptly received responses that they would look into this and I should expect a response from USCIS within 15 days. Based on these responses, I should have received approval by the first week of April. Again, nothing happened until the 3rd week of April. I was becoming wary of my EAD expiry and applying for renewal within 90 days of expiry.
IV’s Advocacy Days in D.C.
I have been a donor for the last few years and actively participated in advocacy days of 2010 and 2011. During this year’s advocacy event, I met IV core team and explained my case. Based on their advice, I waited to see if USCIS responds by mid of April. After long wait and exhausting all options, I requested help from IV. As I mentioned, within 24 hours, I got the approval of MTR and our status was restored!
Though not everyone gets into this kind of trouble, it is very heartening to note that there is someone (IV) behind us to help when in need.
Final Request to Readers:
As someone who associated with IV for the last few years and after going through this ordeal with USCIS, I recommend all those waiting in line or waiting to be in line (for GC) to start associating with IV. No matter how little time or money you could afford to work with IV, every minute and every cent is well worth it! Please Get Involved with IV! Thanks.
Do you get confirmation of G28?
2010 justin bieber hates you. feb
kroy1976
04-14 08:05 AM
Yes, your reply is exactly same as her. But she added one more point. According to her The CBP officer can't deport a AP bearer. He/she has to parole the person and then can schedule a secondary check for I 140 validity. In such case my attorney can pitch in.
But I am not sure if this is true or she is being over assuring.
Thanks a lot
But I am not sure if this is true or she is being over assuring.
Thanks a lot
more...
Desi4GC
08-07 08:47 PM
Hello members,
I had a non-traffic citation few years ago, which got dismissed and expunged. I do not have any documents relating to that incidence. I don't even recall the charges. I did background check with Sheriff's office which showed no records.
How should I present this on form I-485 (question about citation/arrest)?
I had a non-traffic citation few years ago, which got dismissed and expunged. I do not have any documents relating to that incidence. I don't even recall the charges. I did background check with Sheriff's office which showed no records.
How should I present this on form I-485 (question about citation/arrest)?
hair Singer Justin Bieber.
sathweb
02-04 01:02 PM
:confused: Does anyone have multiple RFE for I-140? :confused:
I am kind of curious to know if there is anyone like me in same boat. I got 2 RFE (off course one after another once we answer first one) for my I-140 in year 2008. First RFE I got it regarding ability to pay which we answer in January 2008. I got another RFE in August 2008. Second RFE was kind of mix of ability to pay and education validation. For second RFE they ask for university transcript, all experience letter matching with job description from labor certificate, last year's W2 and company's last year bank statement(year 2007). It was one of the huge list I had seen from USCIS.
Long story short what the hell are they doing with all documents they are asking from us? Its being 3 and half months we have answer 2nd RFE but there is no single response from NSC except they have received the documents and processing has resumed. My I-140 is stuck at NSC from January 2007. How long do I have to wait to get my I-140 approval?:mad:
How do I can contact NSC to know what the hell are they doing with my I-140? Guys share your experience so we all can prevail this another backlog mess.
Please take your Senator or Congressman/Congresswoman help. Though it is not a sure shot, you are better off trying then not trying. Its a simple process, call your Senator and tell them that your application is struck at NSC for more than 2 years. They will take it from there; they will ask you all the documents they need.
My I-140 got approved after my local Senator called them.
I am kind of curious to know if there is anyone like me in same boat. I got 2 RFE (off course one after another once we answer first one) for my I-140 in year 2008. First RFE I got it regarding ability to pay which we answer in January 2008. I got another RFE in August 2008. Second RFE was kind of mix of ability to pay and education validation. For second RFE they ask for university transcript, all experience letter matching with job description from labor certificate, last year's W2 and company's last year bank statement(year 2007). It was one of the huge list I had seen from USCIS.
Long story short what the hell are they doing with all documents they are asking from us? Its being 3 and half months we have answer 2nd RFE but there is no single response from NSC except they have received the documents and processing has resumed. My I-140 is stuck at NSC from January 2007. How long do I have to wait to get my I-140 approval?:mad:
How do I can contact NSC to know what the hell are they doing with my I-140? Guys share your experience so we all can prevail this another backlog mess.
Please take your Senator or Congressman/Congresswoman help. Though it is not a sure shot, you are better off trying then not trying. Its a simple process, call your Senator and tell them that your application is struck at NSC for more than 2 years. They will take it from there; they will ask you all the documents they need.
My I-140 got approved after my local Senator called them.
more...
logiclife
03-22 04:34 PM
Loss of country soft cap quota is intended and not an error. The hard cap ensures that the newly created EB 5 applicants get all the usused visas and to keep EB 5 well-supplied, the numbers are being drained from EB 1, 2 and 3.
All our employers have to know this. The kind of employers who pushed for more greencards for EB1, 2 and 3 during S 1932 have to know this. Please circulate this to your employer, other recruitors/employers who want to have more access to foriegn born employees in high-skills area.
Hard cap has flown below the radar and its our job to spread awareness. Send the PDF file(on homepage) to all the people you know.
The worst case scenario is that with the hard cap, if the good things are elimination in the conference committ.(Very likely) then we will be worse off than we were last year. we will all get greencard on or around the graduation day our our children's high school and we will be driving hydrogen fuel-cell cars by that time.
All our employers have to know this. The kind of employers who pushed for more greencards for EB1, 2 and 3 during S 1932 have to know this. Please circulate this to your employer, other recruitors/employers who want to have more access to foriegn born employees in high-skills area.
Hard cap has flown below the radar and its our job to spread awareness. Send the PDF file(on homepage) to all the people you know.
The worst case scenario is that with the hard cap, if the good things are elimination in the conference committ.(Very likely) then we will be worse off than we were last year. we will all get greencard on or around the graduation day our our children's high school and we will be driving hydrogen fuel-cell cars by that time.
hot Justin Bieber. Lame jokes.
pmpforgc
10-31 02:49 PM
Hi
My sch-A appln. I-140 was approved on Oct-30.
I also got LUDs on I-485s of me and my family on Oct-31.
Does that suggest anything or it is just routine update after I-140 apporval?
Your experienced input will help.
My sch-A appln. I-140 was approved on Oct-30.
I also got LUDs on I-485s of me and my family on Oct-31.
Does that suggest anything or it is just routine update after I-140 apporval?
Your experienced input will help.
more...
house Re: We all hate Justin Bieber Club
arao
12-21 03:49 PM
I recently confirmed Netherlands does not need transit visa.
So, I am flying Northwest.
Hi
I and my family members have EXPIRED STUDENT VISA on the Passort. I have H-1 (H-4) approval till 2008 but no VALID VISA STAMP on our Passport.
I am planing a TRIP to INDIA in Summer. Since My I-140 is already approved and I-485 pending, I will have ADVANCE PAROLE in my hand when I visit India. I will also attempt to Get H-1B/H-4 stamp at Mumbai, while I am in India.
My question is Since I dont have any VALID VISA STAMP on my PASSPORT While going as well as in return, WHICH AIRLINE OR TRANSIT COUNTRY I SHOULD SELECT SO THAT I WILL NOT HAVE TO GET TRANSIT VISA ?
IS there any EUROPEAN TRANSIT COUNTRY FOR FLYING TO MUMBAI WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE TRANSIT VISA FROM INDIAN NATIONALS.
YOUR input will help me lot in be prepared and planing for my summer trip.
Thanks
So, I am flying Northwest.
Hi
I and my family members have EXPIRED STUDENT VISA on the Passort. I have H-1 (H-4) approval till 2008 but no VALID VISA STAMP on our Passport.
I am planing a TRIP to INDIA in Summer. Since My I-140 is already approved and I-485 pending, I will have ADVANCE PAROLE in my hand when I visit India. I will also attempt to Get H-1B/H-4 stamp at Mumbai, while I am in India.
My question is Since I dont have any VALID VISA STAMP on my PASSPORT While going as well as in return, WHICH AIRLINE OR TRANSIT COUNTRY I SHOULD SELECT SO THAT I WILL NOT HAVE TO GET TRANSIT VISA ?
IS there any EUROPEAN TRANSIT COUNTRY FOR FLYING TO MUMBAI WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE TRANSIT VISA FROM INDIAN NATIONALS.
YOUR input will help me lot in be prepared and planing for my summer trip.
Thanks
tattoo u hate justin bieber watch
snathan
03-28 12:21 PM
Hi,
In 2005 I was working at california and my employer was at NJ. I did my tax filing with a all state agent abd he filed taxes for just NJ and federal.
Yesterday I got a notice from California that I have filed taxes using california address and didnot files state taxes for CA.
and I need to proof that I filed the taxes that year or file the taxes.
I went to HR block and prepared taxes for 2005 and mailed to them.
Same thing was there when I filed for 2006 taxes, my consultant didnt filed the taxes for CA.
So I prepared taxes for 2006 also and mailed to them. Both I mailed as a physical mail.
Did any one had similar experiance or any issues?
If you worked in CA you need to file the same state. You dont have to file the tax for the state where your employer resides.
In 2005 I was working at california and my employer was at NJ. I did my tax filing with a all state agent abd he filed taxes for just NJ and federal.
Yesterday I got a notice from California that I have filed taxes using california address and didnot files state taxes for CA.
and I need to proof that I filed the taxes that year or file the taxes.
I went to HR block and prepared taxes for 2005 and mailed to them.
Same thing was there when I filed for 2006 taxes, my consultant didnt filed the taxes for CA.
So I prepared taxes for 2006 also and mailed to them. Both I mailed as a physical mail.
Did any one had similar experiance or any issues?
If you worked in CA you need to file the same state. You dont have to file the tax for the state where your employer resides.
more...
pictures Re: We all hate Justin Bieber
walking_dude
12-05 12:45 PM
FBI Namecheck isn't exactly an immediate issue for me due to colossal backlogs. Yet clearance of the backlog may be meaningless if a person happens to get caught in the FBI backlog instead !
Here's my E-mail to ACLU Immigrants rights project -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for taking legal actions to fix FBI Name check delays for Immigrants
http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/32422prs20071029.html
Kudos for taking actions to protect Immigration rights. As a future Citizenship applicant I'll surely benefit if this inhumane bureaucratic mess would be fixed.
FBI Namechecks aren't limited to Citizenship applicants alone. There are countless Green Card applicants stuck in the FBI backlog too. Are any legal actions being planned to help them too?
Thanks & Regards,
xxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's my E-mail to ACLU Immigrants rights project -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for taking legal actions to fix FBI Name check delays for Immigrants
http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/32422prs20071029.html
Kudos for taking actions to protect Immigration rights. As a future Citizenship applicant I'll surely benefit if this inhumane bureaucratic mess would be fixed.
FBI Namechecks aren't limited to Citizenship applicants alone. There are countless Green Card applicants stuck in the FBI backlog too. Are any legal actions being planned to help them too?
Thanks & Regards,
xxxxx
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dresses I Hate Justin Bieber: Ok,
Anders �stberg
March 3rd, 2004, 02:47 PM
I like. The varying tones are very interesting. I'm sure the black and white version looks better than the color.
The color version is very dull, so I tried desaturating and bumping the contrast quite a bit. I haven't done much B&W so it's a bit of trial and error but I think B&W might suit this type of graphic picture.
The color version is very dull, so I tried desaturating and bumping the contrast quite a bit. I haven't done much B&W so it's a bit of trial and error but I think B&W might suit this type of graphic picture.
more...
makeup Mobile fan club justin
kbsyed61
03-17 12:59 PM
This is what my attorney replied to a similar question.
------------------------------------------
From: Attorney
Your wife could get the shots now and hold on to the evidence and then we will submit it when we get the RFE. She could wait for the RFE but then if she has become pregnant again...... so best to get the evidence now and we can just hold on to it.
-----------------------------------------
Hope this helps.
------------------------------------------
From: Attorney
Your wife could get the shots now and hold on to the evidence and then we will submit it when we get the RFE. She could wait for the RFE but then if she has become pregnant again...... so best to get the evidence now and we can just hold on to it.
-----------------------------------------
Hope this helps.
girlfriend justin-ieber-ashtonkutcher-
santb1975
05-17 11:00 PM
Thanks a lot
My $100..
Paypal ID #8BB01536AL566510N
Thanks
My $100..
Paypal ID #8BB01536AL566510N
Thanks
hairstyles The I Hate Justin Bieber Club
chanduv23
11-20 12:19 PM
Bump
gc_chahiye
12-18 11:37 PM
L1A visa, validity May 2008
EB 1 category
I-140 receipt date July 27, 2007 & I-485 receipt date July 27, 2007.
When and how can I excercise AC 21 portability
Do I need an EAD for this
you need to use EAD since you were on L1 and that cant be transferred to your new employer.
Other than that you need:
- I-140 to be approved*
- 180 dyas to pass from your I-485 receipt date.
*strictly speaking if I-140 was "approvable" at that 180 day mark, you are all set, but its safest to wait for it to be approved.
EB 1 category
I-140 receipt date July 27, 2007 & I-485 receipt date July 27, 2007.
When and how can I excercise AC 21 portability
Do I need an EAD for this
you need to use EAD since you were on L1 and that cant be transferred to your new employer.
Other than that you need:
- I-140 to be approved*
- 180 dyas to pass from your I-485 receipt date.
*strictly speaking if I-140 was "approvable" at that 180 day mark, you are all set, but its safest to wait for it to be approved.
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.
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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.
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