atlfp
04-17 09:50 AM
I think you are confusing it with administrative laws. Legislator makes laws, but they also give power to different government agencies to make laws within their administrative authority. Laws made by legislator go into effect as soon as the president signs it; Laws made by administrative agencies need to go into the whole federal register and other procedures.
I just cannot recollect where I had read that the law has to be published somewhere and there is 90 days delay (when someone can comment if necessary) and only then it becomes a law. I could be absolutely wrong though
Also, Sessions was able to get an amendment passed last time since SJC was in a tearing hurry. That might not be the case this time and they might want to implement this bill soon to 'stem the flow across the borders'. Personally I cannot wait for some new bill to take effect.
I really wish that you are right about the first point and I am right about the second ;-)
I just cannot recollect where I had read that the law has to be published somewhere and there is 90 days delay (when someone can comment if necessary) and only then it becomes a law. I could be absolutely wrong though
Also, Sessions was able to get an amendment passed last time since SJC was in a tearing hurry. That might not be the case this time and they might want to implement this bill soon to 'stem the flow across the borders'. Personally I cannot wait for some new bill to take effect.
I really wish that you are right about the first point and I am right about the second ;-)
.jpg "BlackBerry Curve 8520 Flip")
obelix
03-02 06:54 PM
Regarding "New Scenario - Seeking second opinion"
Couple of things to consider...
1) You need to be present in US at time of applying for the extension and when its approved. In your case I think with travel coming up in June, you probably need to go premium so you have approval in hand my April end. Regular processing takes about 2-3 months I think.
2) You can only go 90 days in advance of your new/extended approval as far as I know. So you need to see if that matches when you plan to go for stamping.
If in similar situation I would probably do what you are planning. It adds some anxiety with both wedding and consulate visit at same time, but once past that it will make life little easier.
Thanks Jvs.
I would definitely go for Premium as regular doesn't make any sense for me. It has very unpredictable time-line and also when the new H1B filing opens on 1st April.
I was not aware of 90days visa stamping rule. I'll look into this further and check with local consulate in India.
I agree - it's pain when one is going to one of the most important change of the i.e. marriage. But, I think life would be lot easier once one get these things done together. I think it can help a lot in planning things and reduce few uncertainties.
I've already started working on docs. and hopefully I'll submit in the first week of April.
Thanks for your input again. I really appreciate.
Couple of things to consider...
1) You need to be present in US at time of applying for the extension and when its approved. In your case I think with travel coming up in June, you probably need to go premium so you have approval in hand my April end. Regular processing takes about 2-3 months I think.
2) You can only go 90 days in advance of your new/extended approval as far as I know. So you need to see if that matches when you plan to go for stamping.
If in similar situation I would probably do what you are planning. It adds some anxiety with both wedding and consulate visit at same time, but once past that it will make life little easier.
Thanks Jvs.
I would definitely go for Premium as regular doesn't make any sense for me. It has very unpredictable time-line and also when the new H1B filing opens on 1st April.
I was not aware of 90days visa stamping rule. I'll look into this further and check with local consulate in India.
I agree - it's pain when one is going to one of the most important change of the i.e. marriage. But, I think life would be lot easier once one get these things done together. I think it can help a lot in planning things and reduce few uncertainties.
I've already started working on docs. and hopefully I'll submit in the first week of April.
Thanks for your input again. I really appreciate.
dixie
02-10 07:30 PM
I agree - the UK govt's policy statement, at least on the doctor's issue was clear : "We had a shortage earlier, therefore we needed foreign doctors. The shortage no longer exists, so we no longer need you. Please leave before mm-dd-yyyy". Contrast that with the US govts "we love your brains but hate your bodies policy" .. on one hand corporations cannot do without foreign skilled labor, at the same time folks like Lou FOULMOUTH and his cronies in congress and elsewhere cannot do without bashing them. In the tug-of-war between these two parties, we are left to rot on the sidelines - neither kicked out, nor allowed a rightful place to progress in society. If thats the case, why don't they simply remove the dual intent clause (and all those 1-yr / 3yr dole-outs aka extensions) from the H1-B program ? Thats better than having to live 15 years on an H1-B.
UK is at lease clear what is their immigration policy. I would like to have similar stand from US Govt where they come out and say in clear words "we don't want to in here" OR "Come here, work for 6 years and leave" OR "we cant you to stay and fix the GC process.
UK is at lease clear what is their immigration policy. I would like to have similar stand from US Govt where they come out and say in clear words "we don't want to in here" OR "Come here, work for 6 years and leave" OR "we cant you to stay and fix the GC process.
manusingh
01-08 10:06 AM
My wife attended for H4 stamping at Hyderabad consulate yesterday, 10/13/09. The consulate officer was asking for my current visa copy even though my wife gave my H1B extension approval copy with valid I-94.
Here is the immigration status so far:
1. Current H1 valid from Oct 09-Sep 11 with I-94
2. Earlier changed from L1 to H1 in April 2007. Then traveled to India using AP as I filed for 485 in Aug 07.
3. Had L1 visa stamping in Jan 2006.
So my old passport has L1 visa and new passport has AP stamp. Now I am thinking to answer the US Consulate Hyderabad explaining my current status - that I have a approved H1 petition but no visa stamping.
Please let me know your suggestions!!! Is there any chance that the visa can be rejected and revoked.
Now my last option is to apply for AP for my wife while she is in India.
Can I apply for AP when she is in India?
Thanks
Hi
Does your wife got H-1B stamped, could you pl send us all details. It may help us.
Here is the immigration status so far:
1. Current H1 valid from Oct 09-Sep 11 with I-94
2. Earlier changed from L1 to H1 in April 2007. Then traveled to India using AP as I filed for 485 in Aug 07.
3. Had L1 visa stamping in Jan 2006.
So my old passport has L1 visa and new passport has AP stamp. Now I am thinking to answer the US Consulate Hyderabad explaining my current status - that I have a approved H1 petition but no visa stamping.
Please let me know your suggestions!!! Is there any chance that the visa can be rejected and revoked.
Now my last option is to apply for AP for my wife while she is in India.
Can I apply for AP when she is in India?
Thanks
Hi
Does your wife got H-1B stamped, could you pl send us all details. It may help us.
more...
dollar500
04-09 08:50 PM
Thanks all.
fuzzy logic
07-01 10:22 AM
Thanks for your replies.
I understand the use of AC21 and I think I am fine as far as GC process goes. My main concern is the continuity of the H1B visa. Since the designation and the location of the employment will change, will there have to be H1B amendment, since the employer is same so there won't be any H1B transfer.
I am eventually going to contact the employer's lawyer, but wanted to do my own research ahead of that. I couldn't get very clear answer from online sources and blogs. Any suggestion here would be very help full. Thanks!
I understand the use of AC21 and I think I am fine as far as GC process goes. My main concern is the continuity of the H1B visa. Since the designation and the location of the employment will change, will there have to be H1B amendment, since the employer is same so there won't be any H1B transfer.
I am eventually going to contact the employer's lawyer, but wanted to do my own research ahead of that. I couldn't get very clear answer from online sources and blogs. Any suggestion here would be very help full. Thanks!
more...
bigboy007
02-18 12:14 AM
Chandu just mentioned that some means of contacting him is made. But he is very pivotal for this . As hez Obama campaign chairman , Senate No. 2 Ranking Democrat. His support or non-support is very crucial to support or not supporting any legislation now and if Obama comes in to picture obviously he will have better hold. We need to get our message strong , hard in a best smooth way possible.
Also he is against H1b Mis-use. Now does he understand PPL like us in Middle of Nowhere.
Also he is against H1b Mis-use. Now does he understand PPL like us in Middle of Nowhere.
ebizash
07-23 12:16 PM
Don't mean to hijack this thread but since my question is related to AP renewal I thought I would. OP if you have problem with this question, let me know and I will delete this post.
I will be applying for AP renewal online for myself and my wife. This will be our 3rd AP (2nd renewal). The only problem is we never received the I-485 physical receipt (we know the LIN no. as well as A#) for her. So far my attorney had been filing the renewals but this time I want to save money and do it myself. I think its kind of stupid to pay 600-800 to attorney for such a simple task.
Has anyone been in this situation? Can anyone suggest, what other document we could use such as copy of prior APs, EADs, FP notices etc?
I will be applying for AP renewal online for myself and my wife. This will be our 3rd AP (2nd renewal). The only problem is we never received the I-485 physical receipt (we know the LIN no. as well as A#) for her. So far my attorney had been filing the renewals but this time I want to save money and do it myself. I think its kind of stupid to pay 600-800 to attorney for such a simple task.
Has anyone been in this situation? Can anyone suggest, what other document we could use such as copy of prior APs, EADs, FP notices etc?
more...
number30
04-23 06:44 PM
Do you have the kids who goes to School? If yes then Either Sugarland Or Katy area are usual choice. You have some apartments in Hwy 6 and 59 area. If you Work in downtown you can use park and ride from any of locations.
If you do not have kids you can get am apartment near your office So that you do not have spend time in traffic.
If you do not have kids you can get am apartment near your office So that you do not have spend time in traffic.
gesfox
03-27 01:06 AM
BIG K, please add my 2nd try. tnx!
more...
cin45220
03-28 03:10 PM
Thanks, snathan.
Is not it strange that IRS processed the tax refund before completing the ITIN processing? They could not confirm the current status of my wife's ITIN processing, as they could not pull out any details about the W-7 based on the information provided by me. They only guessed that it might be still undergoing processing. I wonder if they misplaced the W-7 form or something like that :-(.
Hey Dazed,
How much time did it take you to get the refund?
Thanks,
-CinBoy
Is not it strange that IRS processed the tax refund before completing the ITIN processing? They could not confirm the current status of my wife's ITIN processing, as they could not pull out any details about the W-7 based on the information provided by me. They only guessed that it might be still undergoing processing. I wonder if they misplaced the W-7 form or something like that :-(.
Hey Dazed,
How much time did it take you to get the refund?
Thanks,
-CinBoy
JazzByTheBay
10-27 12:52 AM
It's a well-know fact that Senator Kennedy only empathizes with "undocumented workers", and feels they deserve to be given "a path to citizenship" (amnesty by any other name is still amnesty... ) - understandably so given the demographics and numbers.
jazz
I got this as a real paper letter. The signature is a picture, of course, not real.
No surprise here. We are not even a part of immigration reform for him.:mad:
So in this standard reply "about immigration reform" we are not even mentioned.
EDWARD M. KENNEDY
MASSACHUSETTS
Uinited States
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2101
October 9, 2007
Dear Mr. :
Thank you for contacting me about immigration reform. This is a complex issue, with many important aspects, and it requires a comprehensive solution. 12 million undocumented workers are now living in the United States. They're working, paying taxes, and raising children who are U.S. citizens if they are born here. They contribute to our economy, and it is time to bring them out of the shadows and end their unfair exploitation by unscrupulous employers in communities across the country.
Funds for border enforcement have increased dramatically over the years. The budget for the Border Patrol has increased from $263 million in 1990 to $1.6 billion today - a six-fold increase. Yet each year during this period, hundreds of thousands of immigrants have continued to enter the U.S. illegally. Our immigration laws are clearly broken, and stronger border enforcement alone will not fix them.
Long and thorough negotiations with the White House and fellow Senators, Republican and Democrat, led to the drafting of a comprehensive bipartisan immigration reform bill this year. It contained important provisions to strengthen border security, but it also contained needed provisions imposing higher penalties on businesses that employ undocumented immigrants, a temporary worker program to help American businesses meet their employment needs, and provisions to address the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States by allowing them to obtain legal status after undergoing background checks, paying a fine, and going to the back of the line for green cards. The bill was a realistic and comprehensive solution that would not only protect our borders, but also enable needed temporary workers to enter the country legally, and allow workers already here to become legal.
Unfortunately, this needed legislation has now stalled in the Senate, which is enormously disappointing for Congress and the country. But the battle is far from over. I'm in it for the long haul, and Fm certain that, in the end, we will prevail. Ignoring the problem will not solve it. We cannot afford to do nothing, especially in this post-9/11 era. By heritage and history, America is a nation of immigrants, and we must preserve this tradition. I will continue to fight to reform our immigration laws, so that our borders are secure and immigrant families can continue to live the American dream.
Again, thank you for writing to me about this important issue.
Sincerely,
Edward M. Kennedy
jazz
I got this as a real paper letter. The signature is a picture, of course, not real.
No surprise here. We are not even a part of immigration reform for him.:mad:
So in this standard reply "about immigration reform" we are not even mentioned.
EDWARD M. KENNEDY
MASSACHUSETTS
Uinited States
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2101
October 9, 2007
Dear Mr. :
Thank you for contacting me about immigration reform. This is a complex issue, with many important aspects, and it requires a comprehensive solution. 12 million undocumented workers are now living in the United States. They're working, paying taxes, and raising children who are U.S. citizens if they are born here. They contribute to our economy, and it is time to bring them out of the shadows and end their unfair exploitation by unscrupulous employers in communities across the country.
Funds for border enforcement have increased dramatically over the years. The budget for the Border Patrol has increased from $263 million in 1990 to $1.6 billion today - a six-fold increase. Yet each year during this period, hundreds of thousands of immigrants have continued to enter the U.S. illegally. Our immigration laws are clearly broken, and stronger border enforcement alone will not fix them.
Long and thorough negotiations with the White House and fellow Senators, Republican and Democrat, led to the drafting of a comprehensive bipartisan immigration reform bill this year. It contained important provisions to strengthen border security, but it also contained needed provisions imposing higher penalties on businesses that employ undocumented immigrants, a temporary worker program to help American businesses meet their employment needs, and provisions to address the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States by allowing them to obtain legal status after undergoing background checks, paying a fine, and going to the back of the line for green cards. The bill was a realistic and comprehensive solution that would not only protect our borders, but also enable needed temporary workers to enter the country legally, and allow workers already here to become legal.
Unfortunately, this needed legislation has now stalled in the Senate, which is enormously disappointing for Congress and the country. But the battle is far from over. I'm in it for the long haul, and Fm certain that, in the end, we will prevail. Ignoring the problem will not solve it. We cannot afford to do nothing, especially in this post-9/11 era. By heritage and history, America is a nation of immigrants, and we must preserve this tradition. I will continue to fight to reform our immigration laws, so that our borders are secure and immigrant families can continue to live the American dream.
Again, thank you for writing to me about this important issue.
Sincerely,
Edward M. Kennedy
more...
jasonalbany
07-04 12:28 PM
Access to Job Market in U.S. a Matter of Degrees
Foreign workers with high-tech skills are in demand, but visa quotas snarl the hiring process.
By Anna Gorman, Times Staff Writer
July 3, 2006
This spring, a U.S. high-tech company recruited British citizen Gareth Lloyd for a possible engineering job.
But before the Irvine office made its hiring decision, the number of available visas for skilled workers ran out, in a record time of less than two months.
Lloyd, who has degrees in applied physics and electrical and electronics engineering, found another job in Germany.
"I was a little bit incredulous," Lloyd, 34, said in a phone interview. "It seems arbitrary to put some kind of quota on this."
Much of the national debate on immigration has centered on undocumented workers who fill agriculture, construction and service jobs. But highly skilled foreign scientists, engineers and computer programmers recruited by U.S. companies to work here legally also have a lot at stake in the outcome. "The major focus for all the laws and all the bills has mainly been for illegal immigrants," said Swati Srivastava, an Indian software engineer who lives in Playa del Rey and is waiting for her green card. "We kind of get pushed to the sidelines."
The Senate's sweeping immigration bill that passed in May calls for increasing the number of H-1B visas, which are available for professional foreign workers, from 65,000 to 115,000 annually. Foreigners with certain advanced degrees would be exempt from the cap.
Despite President Bush's urging to increase such quotas, however, the House bill that passed late last year does not include any provisions for skilled-worker visas. And a conference committee, which would negotiate a compromise, has yet to be selected. U.S. companies complain that they are losing prospective employees to other countries because of a shortage of highly skilled and educated foreign workers. As a result, companies are either outsourcing science and engineering jobs or making do with fewer employees.
"There aren't enough U.S. citizens pursuing those types of degrees," said Jennifer Greeson, spokeswoman for Intel Corp. in Santa Clara, Calif., where about 5% of the company's U.S.-based employees are on H-1B visas. "U.S. companies being able to have access to talent, no matter where it originates, is key to our continued competitiveness."
But critics of the H-1B program argue that there are enough Americans qualified for the jobs. Companies just prefer to hire younger, less expensive workers from other countries, such as India and China, instead of more experienced American workers at higher salaries.
"The bottom line is cheap labor," said UC Davis computer-science professor Norman Matloff, who has studied the H-1B program.
The six-year visas are available to foreigners with at least a bachelor's degree. Firms must pay foreign workers the prevailing wage.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency begins accepting H-1B visa applications on April 1 each year. The agency received enough visas to hit the congressionally mandated cap of 65,000 at the end of May this year, compared with August in 2005 and October in 2004. Those who receive the visas can begin work Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year.
There are also 20,000 additional visas available for foreign workers who earned a master's or higher-level degree in the U.S. The Citizenship and Immigration Services is still accepting applications for those visas.
Because the H-1B cap is reached more quickly each year, many companies prepare their paperwork ahead of time so they can be at the front of the line. But they say it's often difficult to make hiring decisions six months before the start date.
Orange County immigration attorney Mitchell Wexler has a courier ready on the first day to take his clients' completed applications to Citizenship and Immigration Services.
"The whole white-collar business community is kind of crossing our fingers" that the number of visas is raised, Wexler said. Highly skilled foreign workers, he said, are "the best and brightest" and should be invited into the economy.
"If we can't get them," Wexler added, "they will go to a country that will accept them, and they will get jobs in Canada, Australia and England and will compete against us."
One of Wexler's clients, Massachusetts-based Skyworks Solutions, develops and manufactures integrated circuits for cellphones. Connie Williams, senior human resources specialist at the company's Irvine office, said her firm was effectively cut off from a foreign labor pool that included Lloyd of Britain when the government stopped accepting H-1B applications.
Williams said she worries that if Congress fails to pass reform legislation, the door will slam shut even earlier next year. The company has just over 2,000 U.S.-based employees, roughly 100 of whom have H-1B visas.
"We need these highly skilled, highly educated, highly qualified engineers," said Williams. "These people are a needle in a haystack."
Once foreigners have H-1B visas, they face another hurdle � becoming permanent legal residents. Applicants are often forced to wait years because there are only 140,000 employment-based green cards available annually. A backlog at Citizenship and Immigration Services adds to the delays.
Swati and Aradhana Srivastava, 34, both Indian software engineers working in the U.S. on H-1B visas, began the green card process with their employer in November 2001. Since then, the sisters said they have not been able to change jobs, positions or salaries.
They have taken film classes and are eager to pursue second careers in filmmaking but cannot do so until after they get their green cards. They also are reluctant to buy property or start a business. If they don't get their green cards by the time they finish film school, the sisters may return home.
"It's like living in a holding pattern continuously," said Swati Srivastava, 28, a member of Immigration Voice, a new grass-roots organization of skilled foreign workers pushing for immigration reform. The Internet-based group formed late last year and has about 5,000 members scattered around the country.
"We work in [the] U.S. legally in high-skilled jobs, but we still get penalized for playing by the rules," Immigration Voice co-founder Aman Kapoor said in an e-mail. "Since no one was working on our issues, we decided to organize."
Sandy Boyd, vice president of the National Assn. of Manufacturers, said there is an urgency to fixing the problems facing highly skilled foreign workers, whether they're seeking temporary or permanent legal status. The Senate's proposed immigration bill would increase the number of available employment-based green cards.
If compromise legislation cannot be reached on the broader issues, Boyd said, Congress should pass a separate, more narrow reform bill.
"This is not an issue that can be put off until comprehensive immigration reform is passed," Boyd said, "because once we lose these jobs, it's very difficult for them to come back."
But industry lobbyists arguing against increases in H-1B visas say the program hurts U.S. citizens by lowering wages and increasing job competition. They cite a recent report by the Government Accountability Office that says the program lacks sufficient oversight from the Department of Labor.
"We feel for the most part there are not shortages of U.S. engineers and computer scientists that have the skills these companies are looking for," said Chris McManes, spokesman for the U.S. sector of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "If the cap is increased, that will further hamper the ability of a U.S. engineer to find a job."
David Huber, a network engineer in Chicago and U.S. citizen by birth, said he twice lost out on jobs to foreign workers. He was passed over for one job and replaced at another, he said. Huber, who testified before the House in March, said he could not find work for nearly three years, despite his education and experience. "Too many of us cannot find jobs because companies are turning to H-1B workers as a first choice," Huber said in written testimony to the House.
Swadha Sharma, who lives in Arcadia, said she is not trying to replace U.S. workers. Sharma earned an electronics engineering degree in India but has long dreamed of becoming a math teacher. So while her husband worked here on an H-1B visa, she earned her teaching credential at Cal Poly Pomona.
Sharma, 30, started applying for teaching jobs early this year, but she said only one of three interested districts was willing to sponsor her for an H-1B visa. And that offer, from a Los Angeles charter school, came after the visa cap had been reached. Sharma now plans to pursue a master's degree but said the U.S. is "missing out on a catch."
"I am really qualified," she said. "Hopefully, I will be able to teach soon."
As for Lloyd, his plans to come to the United States are now on indefinite hold. He started his job in Germany but still laments the U.S. immigration system for limiting workers like himself from coming here.
"The H-1B scheme seems a little bit ridiculous," he said. "I would certainly be an asset to the American economy."
Foreign workers with high-tech skills are in demand, but visa quotas snarl the hiring process.
By Anna Gorman, Times Staff Writer
July 3, 2006
This spring, a U.S. high-tech company recruited British citizen Gareth Lloyd for a possible engineering job.
But before the Irvine office made its hiring decision, the number of available visas for skilled workers ran out, in a record time of less than two months.
Lloyd, who has degrees in applied physics and electrical and electronics engineering, found another job in Germany.
"I was a little bit incredulous," Lloyd, 34, said in a phone interview. "It seems arbitrary to put some kind of quota on this."
Much of the national debate on immigration has centered on undocumented workers who fill agriculture, construction and service jobs. But highly skilled foreign scientists, engineers and computer programmers recruited by U.S. companies to work here legally also have a lot at stake in the outcome. "The major focus for all the laws and all the bills has mainly been for illegal immigrants," said Swati Srivastava, an Indian software engineer who lives in Playa del Rey and is waiting for her green card. "We kind of get pushed to the sidelines."
The Senate's sweeping immigration bill that passed in May calls for increasing the number of H-1B visas, which are available for professional foreign workers, from 65,000 to 115,000 annually. Foreigners with certain advanced degrees would be exempt from the cap.
Despite President Bush's urging to increase such quotas, however, the House bill that passed late last year does not include any provisions for skilled-worker visas. And a conference committee, which would negotiate a compromise, has yet to be selected. U.S. companies complain that they are losing prospective employees to other countries because of a shortage of highly skilled and educated foreign workers. As a result, companies are either outsourcing science and engineering jobs or making do with fewer employees.
"There aren't enough U.S. citizens pursuing those types of degrees," said Jennifer Greeson, spokeswoman for Intel Corp. in Santa Clara, Calif., where about 5% of the company's U.S.-based employees are on H-1B visas. "U.S. companies being able to have access to talent, no matter where it originates, is key to our continued competitiveness."
But critics of the H-1B program argue that there are enough Americans qualified for the jobs. Companies just prefer to hire younger, less expensive workers from other countries, such as India and China, instead of more experienced American workers at higher salaries.
"The bottom line is cheap labor," said UC Davis computer-science professor Norman Matloff, who has studied the H-1B program.
The six-year visas are available to foreigners with at least a bachelor's degree. Firms must pay foreign workers the prevailing wage.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency begins accepting H-1B visa applications on April 1 each year. The agency received enough visas to hit the congressionally mandated cap of 65,000 at the end of May this year, compared with August in 2005 and October in 2004. Those who receive the visas can begin work Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year.
There are also 20,000 additional visas available for foreign workers who earned a master's or higher-level degree in the U.S. The Citizenship and Immigration Services is still accepting applications for those visas.
Because the H-1B cap is reached more quickly each year, many companies prepare their paperwork ahead of time so they can be at the front of the line. But they say it's often difficult to make hiring decisions six months before the start date.
Orange County immigration attorney Mitchell Wexler has a courier ready on the first day to take his clients' completed applications to Citizenship and Immigration Services.
"The whole white-collar business community is kind of crossing our fingers" that the number of visas is raised, Wexler said. Highly skilled foreign workers, he said, are "the best and brightest" and should be invited into the economy.
"If we can't get them," Wexler added, "they will go to a country that will accept them, and they will get jobs in Canada, Australia and England and will compete against us."
One of Wexler's clients, Massachusetts-based Skyworks Solutions, develops and manufactures integrated circuits for cellphones. Connie Williams, senior human resources specialist at the company's Irvine office, said her firm was effectively cut off from a foreign labor pool that included Lloyd of Britain when the government stopped accepting H-1B applications.
Williams said she worries that if Congress fails to pass reform legislation, the door will slam shut even earlier next year. The company has just over 2,000 U.S.-based employees, roughly 100 of whom have H-1B visas.
"We need these highly skilled, highly educated, highly qualified engineers," said Williams. "These people are a needle in a haystack."
Once foreigners have H-1B visas, they face another hurdle � becoming permanent legal residents. Applicants are often forced to wait years because there are only 140,000 employment-based green cards available annually. A backlog at Citizenship and Immigration Services adds to the delays.
Swati and Aradhana Srivastava, 34, both Indian software engineers working in the U.S. on H-1B visas, began the green card process with their employer in November 2001. Since then, the sisters said they have not been able to change jobs, positions or salaries.
They have taken film classes and are eager to pursue second careers in filmmaking but cannot do so until after they get their green cards. They also are reluctant to buy property or start a business. If they don't get their green cards by the time they finish film school, the sisters may return home.
"It's like living in a holding pattern continuously," said Swati Srivastava, 28, a member of Immigration Voice, a new grass-roots organization of skilled foreign workers pushing for immigration reform. The Internet-based group formed late last year and has about 5,000 members scattered around the country.
"We work in [the] U.S. legally in high-skilled jobs, but we still get penalized for playing by the rules," Immigration Voice co-founder Aman Kapoor said in an e-mail. "Since no one was working on our issues, we decided to organize."
Sandy Boyd, vice president of the National Assn. of Manufacturers, said there is an urgency to fixing the problems facing highly skilled foreign workers, whether they're seeking temporary or permanent legal status. The Senate's proposed immigration bill would increase the number of available employment-based green cards.
If compromise legislation cannot be reached on the broader issues, Boyd said, Congress should pass a separate, more narrow reform bill.
"This is not an issue that can be put off until comprehensive immigration reform is passed," Boyd said, "because once we lose these jobs, it's very difficult for them to come back."
But industry lobbyists arguing against increases in H-1B visas say the program hurts U.S. citizens by lowering wages and increasing job competition. They cite a recent report by the Government Accountability Office that says the program lacks sufficient oversight from the Department of Labor.
"We feel for the most part there are not shortages of U.S. engineers and computer scientists that have the skills these companies are looking for," said Chris McManes, spokesman for the U.S. sector of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "If the cap is increased, that will further hamper the ability of a U.S. engineer to find a job."
David Huber, a network engineer in Chicago and U.S. citizen by birth, said he twice lost out on jobs to foreign workers. He was passed over for one job and replaced at another, he said. Huber, who testified before the House in March, said he could not find work for nearly three years, despite his education and experience. "Too many of us cannot find jobs because companies are turning to H-1B workers as a first choice," Huber said in written testimony to the House.
Swadha Sharma, who lives in Arcadia, said she is not trying to replace U.S. workers. Sharma earned an electronics engineering degree in India but has long dreamed of becoming a math teacher. So while her husband worked here on an H-1B visa, she earned her teaching credential at Cal Poly Pomona.
Sharma, 30, started applying for teaching jobs early this year, but she said only one of three interested districts was willing to sponsor her for an H-1B visa. And that offer, from a Los Angeles charter school, came after the visa cap had been reached. Sharma now plans to pursue a master's degree but said the U.S. is "missing out on a catch."
"I am really qualified," she said. "Hopefully, I will be able to teach soon."
As for Lloyd, his plans to come to the United States are now on indefinite hold. He started his job in Germany but still laments the U.S. immigration system for limiting workers like himself from coming here.
"The H-1B scheme seems a little bit ridiculous," he said. "I would certainly be an asset to the American economy."
jayram123
07-12 12:05 AM
If this is true it's really horrible and scary that this gov. agency is handling our applications.
It sounds like it's true. Man! I just wish somebody holds them accountable for this. Despite all efforts from DOS to not waste any more numbers by making all categories current, USCIS still wastes them. Shameful! USCIS should be completely rehauled.:(
It sounds like it's true. Man! I just wish somebody holds them accountable for this. Despite all efforts from DOS to not waste any more numbers by making all categories current, USCIS still wastes them. Shameful! USCIS should be completely rehauled.:(
more...
snathan
05-20 06:19 PM
Not favoring Wipro or quitting person here. General comment..
we need to be careful and review all aspect of issues with mgr and HR before leaving service companies. If we really want to come and work in US then come as independent companies on H1. People keep quite and say 'yes' for everything until H1 is filed in offshore and once a high paid offer comes then leaving and start saying 'sue' this company etc.
they pay fees for H1/air-fares/insurances for commitment for onsite work for some period. If person A goes out, they have to invest same amount of $ on new person B to get there and loosing credit at client also. Are these factors not overhead to these kind of companies?
Becoming so much emotional for money matters is quite common. Be practical and think wisely and negotiate peacefully with HR/MGR. Sending mails with lot of anger and threats to companies etc really don't much help in practical life and things go worse. this kind of stories is not first time and has been going for many years, think it from both sides.
Be practical, thinking peacefully. All the best.
They are not doing any charity for the employees...they want profit and cares only about their interest and so the employee. Whats wrong with that...
we need to be careful and review all aspect of issues with mgr and HR before leaving service companies. If we really want to come and work in US then come as independent companies on H1. People keep quite and say 'yes' for everything until H1 is filed in offshore and once a high paid offer comes then leaving and start saying 'sue' this company etc.
they pay fees for H1/air-fares/insurances for commitment for onsite work for some period. If person A goes out, they have to invest same amount of $ on new person B to get there and loosing credit at client also. Are these factors not overhead to these kind of companies?
Becoming so much emotional for money matters is quite common. Be practical and think wisely and negotiate peacefully with HR/MGR. Sending mails with lot of anger and threats to companies etc really don't much help in practical life and things go worse. this kind of stories is not first time and has been going for many years, think it from both sides.
Be practical, thinking peacefully. All the best.
They are not doing any charity for the employees...they want profit and cares only about their interest and so the employee. Whats wrong with that...
cableman
08-15 07:44 PM
If you are sick of the GC retrogression and Canada is not your cup of tea, UK is another option for you. You can calculate your points online to see if you are qualified for the UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). It is always good to more than one option.
http://www.workpermit.com/uk/hsmp_calculator.htm
:cool:
http://www.workpermit.com/uk/hsmp_calculator.htm
:cool:
more...
franklin
02-09 10:39 AM
It will not help anyone being negative.
trs80
03-10 03:46 PM
Hola USIRIT,
Thanks God! My perm was certified in 38 days.
Now we concurrent filed the USCIS forms.
Any update about your case?
Thanks God! My perm was certified in 38 days.
Now we concurrent filed the USCIS forms.
Any update about your case?
Alabaman
08-24 09:48 PM
Start being creative first.. dont just copy some captions and come up...
If I were you, I would read the "captions" before responding.:mad:
If I were you, I would read the "captions" before responding.:mad:
go_guy123
09-14 03:34 PM
Obviously this is illegal you should report to DOL ...read the posting in this forum it has been
discussed at lenth. WH-4 cmplaint letter etc.
discussed at lenth. WH-4 cmplaint letter etc.
brij523
02-17 10:05 AM
Putting dollar amount to the signature is something like hierarchy system. People contributed more are on higher rank than others. I am not saying you should not put how much you have donated. But good will be to invite people to join IV. People are our strength. The signature should read
"IV IS VOLUNTEER ORGNIZATION, HELP YOURSELF TO HELP IV. SO DON'T ASK WHAT IV HAS DONE FOR YOU BUT ASK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO SUPPORT YOURSELF FIRST AND THEN IV.
MEMBERS CAN EITHER RAISE MEMBERSHIP, CONTRIBUTE 5 MINUTES EVERYDAY TO CALL SENATOR/CONGRESS MEMBER OR CONTRIBUTE.
MY CONTRIBUTION SO FAR IS XXXYYYZZZ"
And this should be the standard signature on everyone post. This way it looks like everyone is in the game.
"IV IS VOLUNTEER ORGNIZATION, HELP YOURSELF TO HELP IV. SO DON'T ASK WHAT IV HAS DONE FOR YOU BUT ASK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO SUPPORT YOURSELF FIRST AND THEN IV.
MEMBERS CAN EITHER RAISE MEMBERSHIP, CONTRIBUTE 5 MINUTES EVERYDAY TO CALL SENATOR/CONGRESS MEMBER OR CONTRIBUTE.
MY CONTRIBUTION SO FAR IS XXXYYYZZZ"
And this should be the standard signature on everyone post. This way it looks like everyone is in the game.
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