alien2006
06-07 11:57 AM
So you guys are saying that because you are on a H1B you are working harder than others? Let me tell you that working hard does not guarantee your job. I have seen hard workers laid off left and right, be it US citizens, green card holders or H1Bs. In fact one of my GC friends said that it is a constant fear for him to be employed at all times, he was unemployed for 10 months after the dot com bust. That changed him completely, he said what will I do with my GC, can I feed my kids with a GC? I need a job. So it is everyone's perspective. I look at him and say at least you have a GC, he says at least you have a job. :)
I still think that GC is not a right. It is a privilege, as is a driving license. You have to pass the drivers test to get a license. Logiclife's message from centuries back about anyone being able to move to another country does not work in today's world. There were no visit visas needed to get to India or China for example in those years, but why is it a requirement to have a visa to visit India now? Things have changed.
BTW, I do think we should do what we can to improve the immigration process, but if nothing gets done its not the end of the world. We can "ask", "request" Congress to change laws. But surely you are not saying we "demand" for our rights to have a GC?
I still think that GC is not a right. It is a privilege, as is a driving license. You have to pass the drivers test to get a license. Logiclife's message from centuries back about anyone being able to move to another country does not work in today's world. There were no visit visas needed to get to India or China for example in those years, but why is it a requirement to have a visa to visit India now? Things have changed.
BTW, I do think we should do what we can to improve the immigration process, but if nothing gets done its not the end of the world. We can "ask", "request" Congress to change laws. But surely you are not saying we "demand" for our rights to have a GC?
wallpaper 15quot; Party Balloons Glass
Nil
06-12 04:52 PM
There are several of us who have advanced degrees and yet have been put under EB3. Now, a lot of them can move on to a more responsible role but held captive by the immigration situation.
Just a thought - if the STEM degree holders can be exempt, then it will take some weight off the entire system.
Just a thought - if the STEM degree holders can be exempt, then it will take some weight off the entire system.
deba
06-13 07:33 PM
shishya and spdy_mn, the point here is when did you get married. As long as your marriage date is before the approval date you are fine. In fact, I remember reading in murthy's website that even if you find out that your 485 has been approved right after you got married (all petitions will have an approval date), you are still eligible to file for your spouse's 485. I think INS has a 180 day window to consider the spouse's application. I guess you have to prove that you got married before the approval date of your 485. Search the murthy website about this posting from her. Good luck.
2011 birthday party. Balloon
pcs
04-22 07:40 PM
Your involvement is more important... you can generate a lot of contribution by spreading the good word & encouraging people to contribute..
I have not contributed much as comapred to top guys but I have generated atleast $600 through my efforts to rope in new guys & requested them to put in some money. Some did but some did not
I have not contributed much as comapred to top guys but I have generated atleast $600 through my efforts to rope in new guys & requested them to put in some money. Some did but some did not
more...
lacrossegc
12-02 01:26 AM
Sadly, your ambitions are noble, but its a cruel world out there ... we can give a guestimate ... but no estimate ....and that too just to throw off the other side either way ... either to think that we are way ahead or to think that we are waaaaaaay behind ..... let them wrack their brains and use a calculator and some of their not-so-cheap-labor-math skills to find out where we are at for a change
.... you have to be couple of steps ahead ... always .... thats the way we ALL got here in the first place :)
Maybe I am being naive. But we are not a political organization. I sure do hope we are not. We should be open, clear and precise about our goals and our funding sources/drives. Frankly our opponents pump in millions of dollars into their effort. Maybe one of these days we can compete with them monetarily. But all I know is they can get millions of dollars but not 25000 committed members.
Hence IMHO we disclose our goals. We disclose our costs up front. We have nothing to hide.
.... you have to be couple of steps ahead ... always .... thats the way we ALL got here in the first place :)
Maybe I am being naive. But we are not a political organization. I sure do hope we are not. We should be open, clear and precise about our goals and our funding sources/drives. Frankly our opponents pump in millions of dollars into their effort. Maybe one of these days we can compete with them monetarily. But all I know is they can get millions of dollars but not 25000 committed members.
Hence IMHO we disclose our goals. We disclose our costs up front. We have nothing to hide.
diya
03-20 04:55 PM
Your comment reminded me of something I had penned down right after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visit to the US. It was very depressing.
A White Collar Slave
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh�s visit to the White House was well reported in the media and the Presidents acknowledgement of the contributions made by the people of India- Indian American�s was most gracious. He also made a point to acknowledge the contributions made by Indian students to America�s Universities. All this is most heart-warming. However, as a legal non-permanent resident awaiting labor certification (or the ability to work) since the past 3 years I feel bound by invisible chains whose cold steel refuses to be warmed. The labor certification process is technically supposed to take 12 months.
Post 9-11, grinding to a near halt the labor certification process of permanent residency applicants is a �win-win� opportunity for the government. Get these highly skilled laborers on a short-term lease of an H1B. Pass off the bureaucracy and red tape of the INS on the process of Homeland security. The latest breakdown, the INS information technology system has been down for 6 weeks now. When asked questions about a status of the system, they donot respond
HIB visa holders make money in dollars that certainly affords them a higher income than would have been possible in their own country. I donot want to undervalue this benefit. But, the American government and citizens hugely profit from the brief stay of these H1B�s in America. H1B�s make money, 99% of which is placed in American banks, which enables banks to fund American projects of citizens and noncitizens. They buy American stock, pay into a social security system and a pension fund that the may not have access to when they themselves are seniors- after all the H1B is only for 6 years. Besides the obvious monetary contributions, they contribute culturally, linguistically and through charity to American society
While they are contributing in as many ways to the American society. Their own lives are in limbo. Continuously stressed over the next rule change in visa status that may affect them, or visiting relatives. Their able spouses unable to work due to visa restrictions. Most of them, live in clean, minimal living comforts as there is always the thought of having liquid cash as one may need to leave the country and then having expensive electronics, cars or furniture may not make any sense. For most of them it does not make sense to own a house on a 6-year work contract.
The opposing argument is that HIB visa holders are subjecting themselves to this lifestyle. After all there are no visible chains around their feet, they are free to return and contribute to the economy of their own countries. But the �American dream� is an invisible chain currently held by INS merchants as they pull, push or decide to hold steady their white-collar slaves.
A White Collar Slave
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh�s visit to the White House was well reported in the media and the Presidents acknowledgement of the contributions made by the people of India- Indian American�s was most gracious. He also made a point to acknowledge the contributions made by Indian students to America�s Universities. All this is most heart-warming. However, as a legal non-permanent resident awaiting labor certification (or the ability to work) since the past 3 years I feel bound by invisible chains whose cold steel refuses to be warmed. The labor certification process is technically supposed to take 12 months.
Post 9-11, grinding to a near halt the labor certification process of permanent residency applicants is a �win-win� opportunity for the government. Get these highly skilled laborers on a short-term lease of an H1B. Pass off the bureaucracy and red tape of the INS on the process of Homeland security. The latest breakdown, the INS information technology system has been down for 6 weeks now. When asked questions about a status of the system, they donot respond
HIB visa holders make money in dollars that certainly affords them a higher income than would have been possible in their own country. I donot want to undervalue this benefit. But, the American government and citizens hugely profit from the brief stay of these H1B�s in America. H1B�s make money, 99% of which is placed in American banks, which enables banks to fund American projects of citizens and noncitizens. They buy American stock, pay into a social security system and a pension fund that the may not have access to when they themselves are seniors- after all the H1B is only for 6 years. Besides the obvious monetary contributions, they contribute culturally, linguistically and through charity to American society
While they are contributing in as many ways to the American society. Their own lives are in limbo. Continuously stressed over the next rule change in visa status that may affect them, or visiting relatives. Their able spouses unable to work due to visa restrictions. Most of them, live in clean, minimal living comforts as there is always the thought of having liquid cash as one may need to leave the country and then having expensive electronics, cars or furniture may not make any sense. For most of them it does not make sense to own a house on a 6-year work contract.
The opposing argument is that HIB visa holders are subjecting themselves to this lifestyle. After all there are no visible chains around their feet, they are free to return and contribute to the economy of their own countries. But the �American dream� is an invisible chain currently held by INS merchants as they pull, push or decide to hold steady their white-collar slaves.
more...
walking_dude
12-12 09:33 PM
I'm all for FREE and PREMIUM memberships with more value-added premium features and privileges to PREMIUM members.
My personal opinion as a member.
My personal opinion as a member.
2010 alloons amp; streamers,
Abhinaym
09-17 01:35 PM
Why not? I know Bill clinton was hooked up to some Indian restaurants in DC/NVA.
Yup, there are good ones in NoVa and MD, but nothing of repute in DC.
I wonder how Bill Clinton managed to go those ones... traffic is such a bitch here...
Yup, there are good ones in NoVa and MD, but nothing of repute in DC.
I wonder how Bill Clinton managed to go those ones... traffic is such a bitch here...
more...
visves
07-16 01:58 PM
signed..might also be a good ideal to start a e-mail chain asking people to sign it and also create some awareness about this pest...
I plan to send this petition to all senior executives of Time Warner Inc by Priority Mail and Fax. CNN is a fully owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
I plan to send this petition to all senior executives of Time Warner Inc by Priority Mail and Fax. CNN is a fully owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/loudobbs
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vsrinir
05-04 03:15 PM
I got Soft LUD on 04/28/09 for me and all dependents.
I am EB3/India/PD:10/2004
I am EB3/India/PD:10/2004
more...
chanduv23
11-06 03:52 PM
Lets concentrate on EB issues. Those who have not yet joined a State chapter, please do so now.
Joining the State chapter and help grassroots efforts is an ongoing action item and everyone here MUST join your State chapter and contribute towards grassroots efforts.
Nothing much can be achieved by writing individual emails.
We need to focus on our issues and do what is organized, collective effort.
Joining the State chapter and help grassroots efforts is an ongoing action item and everyone here MUST join your State chapter and contribute towards grassroots efforts.
Nothing much can be achieved by writing individual emails.
We need to focus on our issues and do what is organized, collective effort.
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m306m
06-11 05:18 PM
1. You have the insurance company on your side to defend
2. Until the judgment goes against you or you run away, you do not need to worry about freezing bank account
3. In worst case, during the judgment time they will consider your family, two kids. They are not heartless people and it�s just an accident. That guy must be insane to ask 3.25 million. I couldn�t believe the whiplash injury especially when the damage was <$1500. I just assume the impact must be very minimal.
My advice is, don�t lose your hope and sleep. You insurance company is there with you to defend. Keep in touch with them and respond promptly to court notice or any letters. You do not need to withdraw your GC. Worst case if everything goes against you declare bankruptcy and leave the country legally. So if you want to come back in the future, you won�t have much problem.
When you don�t have anything to lose�why do you worry. Keep it cool and every thing will be fine. Seems like those guys wanted to have retirement with your money.
Dont Panic....
I am sorry I disagree.
1. The insurance company is not necessarily on your side. They will only pay up to the amount of liability that you are insured against and that too most insurance company will do reluctantly.
2. It will be too late to transfer money out of the bank account after the judgement is passed. They will freeze your accounts when the case goes to trial. If you are going to transfer money do it before the trial.
3. I agree 3 + million is absolutely unreal. Try and settle this before it goes to trial for a nominal amount.
2. Until the judgment goes against you or you run away, you do not need to worry about freezing bank account
3. In worst case, during the judgment time they will consider your family, two kids. They are not heartless people and it�s just an accident. That guy must be insane to ask 3.25 million. I couldn�t believe the whiplash injury especially when the damage was <$1500. I just assume the impact must be very minimal.
My advice is, don�t lose your hope and sleep. You insurance company is there with you to defend. Keep in touch with them and respond promptly to court notice or any letters. You do not need to withdraw your GC. Worst case if everything goes against you declare bankruptcy and leave the country legally. So if you want to come back in the future, you won�t have much problem.
When you don�t have anything to lose�why do you worry. Keep it cool and every thing will be fine. Seems like those guys wanted to have retirement with your money.
Dont Panic....
I am sorry I disagree.
1. The insurance company is not necessarily on your side. They will only pay up to the amount of liability that you are insured against and that too most insurance company will do reluctantly.
2. It will be too late to transfer money out of the bank account after the judgement is passed. They will freeze your accounts when the case goes to trial. If you are going to transfer money do it before the trial.
3. I agree 3 + million is absolutely unreal. Try and settle this before it goes to trial for a nominal amount.
more...
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diqingshen
07-11 11:42 AM
HLG has confirmed that the CIS is not returning I-485 Applications back to those who filed I-485 during the first week of July. This is leading many to speculate that the CIS may reverse course and re-re-amend the July Visa Bulletin; whether the Visa Bulletin actually reopens remains to be seen. HLG normally refrains from commenting on rumors, but we have talked to several Washington insiders and believe that this is seriously being considered.
tattoo Latex Balloons - Balloons amp;amp
hinvin66
04-09 02:08 AM
4/8/09 - soft LUD today for self, spouse & child
8/13/08 soft LUD after updating address and invoking AC21
9/20/07 fist status on i_485
8/13/08 soft LUD after updating address and invoking AC21
9/20/07 fist status on i_485
more...
pictures BALLOONS amp; STREAMERS
houston2005
12-09 08:58 AM
GcSoon-Ihope is from France. I thought that retrogression is mainly for India with some effects on China, Philipines and Mexico.
Please explain why bulletins are applicable to you. Thanks.
Merry Christmas!
Congratulations for the GC. You have a very compelling ordeal and now you deserve the best.
It doen't matters where he is from France or any other other country. The truth of the matter is, this is what exactly happens to every HIGH SKILLED Legal immigrant in this country. Some may go thru less others more...but this is tragedy of the system created by the 'worthless and clueless politicians of USA'.
Please explain why bulletins are applicable to you. Thanks.
Merry Christmas!
Congratulations for the GC. You have a very compelling ordeal and now you deserve the best.
It doen't matters where he is from France or any other other country. The truth of the matter is, this is what exactly happens to every HIGH SKILLED Legal immigrant in this country. Some may go thru less others more...but this is tragedy of the system created by the 'worthless and clueless politicians of USA'.
dresses Balloons And Streamers.
texanguy
06-12 06:58 PM
you are asking for EB2 guys in 2004,2005,2006,2007 to wait for EB-3 guys in 2001,2002,2003,2004. Point is well taken. Its a humane way of handling things.
Perhaps they should not make EB1 current, let them wait a year or two while 2004 EB2 and 2001 EB3 get their green cards.
Ask this question to yourself. If you were an EB2 person with 2004 priority with a spouse and kid, Would you be willing to wait few more years to get your green cards so that a 2001 EB-3 shall get his faster and may not care /appreciate your sacrifice?
Your position helps yourself and nobody else. I dont have any problems 2001 EB3s getting approved before 2004 EB2's. Thats the way it should be, but not at the expense of EB2's. Feeling of entitlement is not adequate justification. USCIS has established a way to convert to EB2 status, if you have sufficient experience. You can certainly try that option.
I just spoke my mind, dont care if i get red dots or not. Apperantly people here are way too sensitive to an opposite point of view.
I believe that there is a great flaw in the way the USCIS allocates VISA NUMBERS among EB1, EB2 and EB3 which is very much evident and if we can stand united we can get something done.
After carefully observing the trend in VISA approval and VISA bulletins, It is a reality that EB3-I is not moving and at the same time EB2 and EB1 are moving fast in relative terms and probably may even become current ( EB1 is already current ), But one thing USCIS is clearly not considering is the Priority Date, which basically means that they are not giving a damn thing about how long the person from EB3-I is waiting for. Here is my suggestion and some of the IV representatives need to analyse what Iam gonna say and see if they can stand up. Being an EB3-I india myself, i totally agree that EB1 and EB2 should be given a weightage and some preference over EB3, but I dont agree to what USCIS is currently following, EB2 With priority 2006 getting ahead of EB3-I with priority date 2001. This is ridiculous and to even think about it, it just sounds stupid. What they can do is , They can move the Dates in both Categories while giving preference to EB1 and EB2 first.
Please dont jump up & down before i complete. Iam just giving you an example of how things should work and how they can move dates forward for all 3 categories while maintaining that EB1 and EB2 gets preference over EB3. Let us ignore Eb1, since it is already current. Now Coming to Eb2, the priority Date is 2004 for them.Ideally speaking, They should not move them ahead until atleast EB3 reaches 2004. But once Both EB2 and EB3 reaches the priority date of 2004, Obviously EB2 gets the preference over Eb3 and EB2 will start to move ahead but not by much, let us say 1 year. Now, Clearly, EB2 is still given the extra preference over EB3 but at the same time, we are maintaining the priority dates between EB2 and EB3 as close as possible so that the system is not totally unfair to EB3 filers. I think, as one of the un-biased Organisation we should stand up against this unfair treatment in general. I hope even EB-2 will understand what iam trying to say.
let me know if iam making any sense. If am wrong, also let me know. So that i can get a better understanding of things and correct myself.
Perhaps they should not make EB1 current, let them wait a year or two while 2004 EB2 and 2001 EB3 get their green cards.
Ask this question to yourself. If you were an EB2 person with 2004 priority with a spouse and kid, Would you be willing to wait few more years to get your green cards so that a 2001 EB-3 shall get his faster and may not care /appreciate your sacrifice?
Your position helps yourself and nobody else. I dont have any problems 2001 EB3s getting approved before 2004 EB2's. Thats the way it should be, but not at the expense of EB2's. Feeling of entitlement is not adequate justification. USCIS has established a way to convert to EB2 status, if you have sufficient experience. You can certainly try that option.
I just spoke my mind, dont care if i get red dots or not. Apperantly people here are way too sensitive to an opposite point of view.
I believe that there is a great flaw in the way the USCIS allocates VISA NUMBERS among EB1, EB2 and EB3 which is very much evident and if we can stand united we can get something done.
After carefully observing the trend in VISA approval and VISA bulletins, It is a reality that EB3-I is not moving and at the same time EB2 and EB1 are moving fast in relative terms and probably may even become current ( EB1 is already current ), But one thing USCIS is clearly not considering is the Priority Date, which basically means that they are not giving a damn thing about how long the person from EB3-I is waiting for. Here is my suggestion and some of the IV representatives need to analyse what Iam gonna say and see if they can stand up. Being an EB3-I india myself, i totally agree that EB1 and EB2 should be given a weightage and some preference over EB3, but I dont agree to what USCIS is currently following, EB2 With priority 2006 getting ahead of EB3-I with priority date 2001. This is ridiculous and to even think about it, it just sounds stupid. What they can do is , They can move the Dates in both Categories while giving preference to EB1 and EB2 first.
Please dont jump up & down before i complete. Iam just giving you an example of how things should work and how they can move dates forward for all 3 categories while maintaining that EB1 and EB2 gets preference over EB3. Let us ignore Eb1, since it is already current. Now Coming to Eb2, the priority Date is 2004 for them.Ideally speaking, They should not move them ahead until atleast EB3 reaches 2004. But once Both EB2 and EB3 reaches the priority date of 2004, Obviously EB2 gets the preference over Eb3 and EB2 will start to move ahead but not by much, let us say 1 year. Now, Clearly, EB2 is still given the extra preference over EB3 but at the same time, we are maintaining the priority dates between EB2 and EB3 as close as possible so that the system is not totally unfair to EB3 filers. I think, as one of the un-biased Organisation we should stand up against this unfair treatment in general. I hope even EB-2 will understand what iam trying to say.
let me know if iam making any sense. If am wrong, also let me know. So that i can get a better understanding of things and correct myself.
more...
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masouds
09-17 02:18 PM
you mean LEGAL aliens...:)
s/LEGAL/slave/ :-)
s/LEGAL/slave/ :-)
girlfriend Stars Streamers Double Bubble
chicago60607
09-17 11:58 AM
I thought they had a out of the room settlement for 6020 already, why should they again keep discussing so much
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aspiration
06-14 02:51 PM
Your idea is good...But only people who will participate in this will be those who have already made the calls..
I don't think that those who couldn't spare 10 mins of day to make a call themselves will ask their friends or family members to call house members... And if they start calling by themselves... You and me won't be posting this message for taking help with Friends and Family... We have more than 30,000 members and time and again i reiterate that there must be more than 200 unique visitors for this thread.. SO PLEASE PLEASE>.. I urge all of you to do your part ...No one else have to post this message and ask you for support , if you call.
( No one would be reading this message untill he or she is stuck somewhere in the processing of their adjustment of status).. So why wait folks?
Your call to lawmakers is for your own benefit and befit of everyone of us..
I don't think that those who couldn't spare 10 mins of day to make a call themselves will ask their friends or family members to call house members... And if they start calling by themselves... You and me won't be posting this message for taking help with Friends and Family... We have more than 30,000 members and time and again i reiterate that there must be more than 200 unique visitors for this thread.. SO PLEASE PLEASE>.. I urge all of you to do your part ...No one else have to post this message and ask you for support , if you call.
( No one would be reading this message untill he or she is stuck somewhere in the processing of their adjustment of status).. So why wait folks?
Your call to lawmakers is for your own benefit and befit of everyone of us..
Brightsider
07-24 02:53 PM
Let me give this a shot:
Brightsider/Raji,
Going by your id registration date, I am presuming you are new to this site and do not know the history of what transpired over the last few years. There are hundreds of threads/discussions/posts where these arguments have been made and answered. We (all of us) are seeing increased interest in solving our EB-GC problems because of hopeless retrogression and a ray of hope in terms of CIR. Just because one shows new interest, you cannot expect immediate consolation and agreement on what you say/propose.
There were numerous times when members felt a specific campaign and/or item needs to be pursued. Serious discussions happened and eventually the advice of core which gets its info from various sources supported or not. There is nothing to stop you or I from pursuing an option.
I for many months did not understand the rationale and the way the system/politics function in this country. I still do not understand. BUT I do understand certain basic things:
1. How laws are crafted: the process, the resources involved and other technical matters.
2. Lobbying and advocacy: What role they play when dealing with lawmaking. Go read about the healthcare bill and what is happening in the Congress, lobbying, interest groups, associations, ordinary citizens, PACs, non-partisan groups. you might get a taste of what this is all about.
3. Systems: USCIS, DOL, Homeland Security etc
4. Politics: The main parties involved (Dems, Republicans). Who reacts to what and what their core values are. What is left, middle, right. who is where.
5. How national and state politics matter.
I am going to generalize here a bit: A lot of members who get their info from CNN or Google Reader or other 'mainstream' media sources might get either a black or white version of news/happenings. I quickly realized there are numerous shades of gray when dealing with Washington DC. How politics of left, middle and right come into play, which Senator or representative votes which way and why, etc. Listening to a press conference and reading an article on CNN does not give one insight into politics. These are the 'backend' intelligence which I trust core to know and advice us. I do not expect them to reveal their sources nor specific tactics. Most often than not, there is a rational explanation.
In this specific case, my take is: AILA with all their nobel intentions are in the 'business' of making money from folks like us and our employers. There are many shades here and it is not all black or white as it may seem. Like a member pointed out, AILA does not represent just EB or legal immigration. There are other things involved which may be detrimental to us (you do not want to be bracketed in the same category as illegals or want amnesty as an example). Apart from this, timing is critical.
One of the most important parties apart from Lawmakers is our opponents. Anti-immigrants who wants to know tactics, strategy: who we are calling, whom we are faxing, whom we are meeting, how we work, etc. They doggedly follow and couteract many items. For every fax/call/email you send there might be a counter reply from anti-immigrants. When core suggests confidentiality and secrecy, those I believe are not some magic/secret cloakish things but a matter of pragmatic reality. That is the world we are in and to be successful, we have to deal with those realities.
Giving out updated information is not as simple as it seems. These are steps which can be easily retraced and antis can quickly use those steps and backstab us, crippling our efforts. Updated information == tactics. My last point is about: Donors Vs Non-donors. Do you know that you need not be a donor to volunteer ? Try getting in touch with folks at IV. There is a lot you can do and you seem to be the right person whom we need on our side. I urge you to contact IV.
Thanks Qasleuth,
I was resigned to seeing a lot of ire directed my way, and was pleasantly surprised to read your lenghty and reasoned reply. And the important thing was that you were able to get your point across without antagonizing or making me feel stupid and low.
You are bang on target with your observations and explanations. Having been reading IV threads for over three-four years, (or is it five, I lose count), I have always found it to be a great resource. It is only of late that I have been posting concerns and suggestions. So I have been witness to attacks of tunnel rats and others and also aware of their rants and ruses. I saw the advocacy effort of July 2007, and the tremendous synergies generated by IV. The short point is that IV is not new to me, although the converse is true.
Now on the issue of AILA template, your reasoning is candid and well argued. I agree that when I first suggested that we use the AILA template I had not fully considered all the issues that you highlighted. It is a different matter that I have no regrets for having done so, for reasons that I find appropriate. I am sure you have no quarrel with that, having said that each of us is entitled to our opinions and pathways.
Thanks once again, got to go to a meeting.......will catch up later.
Brightsider/Raji,
Going by your id registration date, I am presuming you are new to this site and do not know the history of what transpired over the last few years. There are hundreds of threads/discussions/posts where these arguments have been made and answered. We (all of us) are seeing increased interest in solving our EB-GC problems because of hopeless retrogression and a ray of hope in terms of CIR. Just because one shows new interest, you cannot expect immediate consolation and agreement on what you say/propose.
There were numerous times when members felt a specific campaign and/or item needs to be pursued. Serious discussions happened and eventually the advice of core which gets its info from various sources supported or not. There is nothing to stop you or I from pursuing an option.
I for many months did not understand the rationale and the way the system/politics function in this country. I still do not understand. BUT I do understand certain basic things:
1. How laws are crafted: the process, the resources involved and other technical matters.
2. Lobbying and advocacy: What role they play when dealing with lawmaking. Go read about the healthcare bill and what is happening in the Congress, lobbying, interest groups, associations, ordinary citizens, PACs, non-partisan groups. you might get a taste of what this is all about.
3. Systems: USCIS, DOL, Homeland Security etc
4. Politics: The main parties involved (Dems, Republicans). Who reacts to what and what their core values are. What is left, middle, right. who is where.
5. How national and state politics matter.
I am going to generalize here a bit: A lot of members who get their info from CNN or Google Reader or other 'mainstream' media sources might get either a black or white version of news/happenings. I quickly realized there are numerous shades of gray when dealing with Washington DC. How politics of left, middle and right come into play, which Senator or representative votes which way and why, etc. Listening to a press conference and reading an article on CNN does not give one insight into politics. These are the 'backend' intelligence which I trust core to know and advice us. I do not expect them to reveal their sources nor specific tactics. Most often than not, there is a rational explanation.
In this specific case, my take is: AILA with all their nobel intentions are in the 'business' of making money from folks like us and our employers. There are many shades here and it is not all black or white as it may seem. Like a member pointed out, AILA does not represent just EB or legal immigration. There are other things involved which may be detrimental to us (you do not want to be bracketed in the same category as illegals or want amnesty as an example). Apart from this, timing is critical.
One of the most important parties apart from Lawmakers is our opponents. Anti-immigrants who wants to know tactics, strategy: who we are calling, whom we are faxing, whom we are meeting, how we work, etc. They doggedly follow and couteract many items. For every fax/call/email you send there might be a counter reply from anti-immigrants. When core suggests confidentiality and secrecy, those I believe are not some magic/secret cloakish things but a matter of pragmatic reality. That is the world we are in and to be successful, we have to deal with those realities.
Giving out updated information is not as simple as it seems. These are steps which can be easily retraced and antis can quickly use those steps and backstab us, crippling our efforts. Updated information == tactics. My last point is about: Donors Vs Non-donors. Do you know that you need not be a donor to volunteer ? Try getting in touch with folks at IV. There is a lot you can do and you seem to be the right person whom we need on our side. I urge you to contact IV.
Thanks Qasleuth,
I was resigned to seeing a lot of ire directed my way, and was pleasantly surprised to read your lenghty and reasoned reply. And the important thing was that you were able to get your point across without antagonizing or making me feel stupid and low.
You are bang on target with your observations and explanations. Having been reading IV threads for over three-four years, (or is it five, I lose count), I have always found it to be a great resource. It is only of late that I have been posting concerns and suggestions. So I have been witness to attacks of tunnel rats and others and also aware of their rants and ruses. I saw the advocacy effort of July 2007, and the tremendous synergies generated by IV. The short point is that IV is not new to me, although the converse is true.
Now on the issue of AILA template, your reasoning is candid and well argued. I agree that when I first suggested that we use the AILA template I had not fully considered all the issues that you highlighted. It is a different matter that I have no regrets for having done so, for reasons that I find appropriate. I am sure you have no quarrel with that, having said that each of us is entitled to our opinions and pathways.
Thanks once again, got to go to a meeting.......will catch up later.
richshi
10-18 11:05 PM
An important bill was introduced in the house today that forces the FBI to end all namecheck backlogs. This is a very short bill and it has just one provision - to end namecheck backlogs. This is exacly the kind of bill we were looking for.
This is different from the bill that was passed in Senate recently.
The important thing for all of us:
WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK HIM/HER TO SUPPORT THIS BILL.
Unless you write, this bill is not going to pass - please do so immediately.
You can find out who your representative is and for instructions on how to contact him/her here:
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Please post this message in all immigration groups you are member of.
PDF version: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h3828ih.t xt.pdf
HR 3828:
(a) In General- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly provide to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Appropriations of the Senate, a plan for ensuring that, within 18 months of the date of enactment of this Act, the National Name Check Program, administered by the Records Management Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will no longer have any requested name checks from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in backlog status.
(b) Elements of Plan- The plan shall include the following elements:
(1) Necessary improvements to computer systems so that all records may be transmitted, maintained, and checked electronically, and whether it is possible to centralize this information in a single searchable database.
(2) How the FBI will improve communications with USCIS to ensure the maximum efficiency in processing name check requests from that agency.
(3) Security upgrades in transferring information between the FBI and USCIS to ensure the privacy of any individual receiving a name check.
(4) Long-term fixes that will prevent any future backlog, including a risk management analysis of changes that can be made to streamline the process and policies for obtaining FBI name checks in connection with applications and petitions for immigration benefits.
(5) An estimate of the funding required to complete the operation by the required date along with an estimate of any possible fee increases.
(6) A study regarding the best practices in assessing the level of risk presented by applicants. The study will determine whether the current risk assessment process should be modified.
(7) A report of the number of applications and petitions that remain pending at USCIS more than 6 months after the name check results have been returned from the FBI to USCIS.
(c) Effect of Backlog On and After 18 Months of the Date of Enactment of This Act- Beginning 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Name Check Program is not authorized to have any file in backlog status. After that date, any name check request from USCIS held in the possession of the National Name Check Program for longer than 6 months--
(1) will be referred to the Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall adjudicate interim benefits in connection with the application with which the FBI name check was requested, unless the Secretary certifies there is reasonable cause to suspect that the applicant poses a threat to national security, otherwise poses a threat to the United States, or has broken United States immigration law; and
(2) the name check fee shall be fully refunded.
(d) Backlog- For purposes of this section, the term `backlog' means, with respect to a file sent to the National Name Check Program from USCIS, that the file has been pending under the jurisdiction of the Justice Department for longer than 6 months.
END
This is different from the bill that was passed in Senate recently.
The important thing for all of us:
WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK HIM/HER TO SUPPORT THIS BILL.
Unless you write, this bill is not going to pass - please do so immediately.
You can find out who your representative is and for instructions on how to contact him/her here:
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Please post this message in all immigration groups you are member of.
PDF version: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h3828ih.t xt.pdf
HR 3828:
(a) In General- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly provide to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Appropriations of the Senate, a plan for ensuring that, within 18 months of the date of enactment of this Act, the National Name Check Program, administered by the Records Management Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will no longer have any requested name checks from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in backlog status.
(b) Elements of Plan- The plan shall include the following elements:
(1) Necessary improvements to computer systems so that all records may be transmitted, maintained, and checked electronically, and whether it is possible to centralize this information in a single searchable database.
(2) How the FBI will improve communications with USCIS to ensure the maximum efficiency in processing name check requests from that agency.
(3) Security upgrades in transferring information between the FBI and USCIS to ensure the privacy of any individual receiving a name check.
(4) Long-term fixes that will prevent any future backlog, including a risk management analysis of changes that can be made to streamline the process and policies for obtaining FBI name checks in connection with applications and petitions for immigration benefits.
(5) An estimate of the funding required to complete the operation by the required date along with an estimate of any possible fee increases.
(6) A study regarding the best practices in assessing the level of risk presented by applicants. The study will determine whether the current risk assessment process should be modified.
(7) A report of the number of applications and petitions that remain pending at USCIS more than 6 months after the name check results have been returned from the FBI to USCIS.
(c) Effect of Backlog On and After 18 Months of the Date of Enactment of This Act- Beginning 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Name Check Program is not authorized to have any file in backlog status. After that date, any name check request from USCIS held in the possession of the National Name Check Program for longer than 6 months--
(1) will be referred to the Secretary of Homeland Security, who shall adjudicate interim benefits in connection with the application with which the FBI name check was requested, unless the Secretary certifies there is reasonable cause to suspect that the applicant poses a threat to national security, otherwise poses a threat to the United States, or has broken United States immigration law; and
(2) the name check fee shall be fully refunded.
(d) Backlog- For purposes of this section, the term `backlog' means, with respect to a file sent to the National Name Check Program from USCIS, that the file has been pending under the jurisdiction of the Justice Department for longer than 6 months.
END
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