sankap
07-05 03:28 PM
http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB118359095890657571.html
Reversal Frustrates Green-Card Applicants
By MIRIAM JORDAN
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: July 5, 2007
The U.S. government's surprise offer, then abrupt reversal, of an opportunity for thousands of skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. highlights the problems of the overtaxed immigration system and the frenzy that results from a rare chance to apply for a green card.
The scramble has put tens of thousands of workers and their families in limbo after many of them and their employers spent thousands of dollars in hopes of securing permanent residency. It may result in a class-action lawsuit against the government by frustrated applicants.
The problem began June 12 when the government seemed to open the door for thousands of foreign workers and their families to end the long wait to apply for a green card. That is when the State Department published a Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly notice closely watched by immigration attorneys and their clients because it determines who is eligible to file a green-card application the next month. The June bulletin announced that practically all skilled foreign workers who had been previously deemed eligible for an employer-sponsored visa could now take the final step of applying for a green card.
By law, the U.S. can issue about 140,000 employment-based green cards each year. Last year, the government fell short by about 10,000, despite the long waiting list; leftover visas can't be rolled over to the next year. The June announcement aimed to prevent the visa slot from going to waste, according to a State Department spokeswoman.
[Green-Card Limbo]
The announcement was greeted with a mix of jubilation and panic by thousands of engineers, lab scientists and other high-skilled foreigners who had waited years for their place in line. Working ahead of a July 2 date for filing the application, intending immigrants rushed to gather documents, complete paperwork and obtain medical exams. Many of their dependents -- such as children enrolled in college overseas -- boarded planes for the U.S. to meet a requirement that all family members be present at the time of filing.
"The bulletin created a land rush among legal immigrants desperate to finalize their green-card applications," said Steve Miller, a Seattle-based immigration attorney and head of the state chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Then, on July 2, the State Department issued an "update" that reversed the previous bulletin. It stated, effective immediately, there would be no further authorizations for employment-based cases. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes the applications, said it would instead simply process existing applications to meet this year's quota. "We already had sufficient applications pending without new applicants," an agency spokesman said.
Mike Aytes, head of domestic operations for the USCIS, said all 147,141 employment-based green cards have now been issued for the year. "We are very sympathetic to the fact that people really had expectations � Folks spent a lot of time and effort, but it turned out they couldn't file, after all," he said.
In the July 2 announcement, USCIS said it was "rejecting applications" to secure green cards, and the agency spokesman said it would return the paperwork of all the applicants. New cases will be entertained again in the government's next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1. However, applicants must wait their turn again, which might not happen for years.
News of the revocation of the previously announced bulletin dashed the hopes of thousands of foreign workers, many of them currently on an H-1B professional visa normally valid for up to six years. These workers face the possibility of being forced to return home if their visa expires before they get the chance to apply for a green card.
"My employer and I spent tens of thousands of dollars preparing for the day when we could file for our Change in Status application, only to have the [government] pull the rug out from under us," said Lawrence LeBlanc, a Canadian executive at AES Corp. in Arlington, Virginia. "We were devastated to hear this unprecedented news. We're not sure how we're going to tell our children."
Because there are more employer-based applicants for immigrant visas than are available each year, people wait each month to see whether they have gotten to the front of the line. Often people wait years for the green light to apply, especially if they come from countries like India and China.
The June 12 announcement set off a stampede to government-approved doctors, because green-card applicants must pass medical exams. Apurva Pratap, a Seattle-based senior manager for a multinational corporation, said he and his wife traveled 40 miles for a medical exam after they couldn't secure an appointment in town. To fulfill a requirement for a vaccination, they waited eight hours in a line that snaked around a mobile unit in Tacoma. Mr. Pratap, a native of India, has been in the U.S. since 1999.
A spokeswoman for the American Immigration Lawyers Association said it has called for a congressional investigation. An affiliated organization is expected to take legal action via a class-action lawsuit. "This is an example of how badly our immigration system is broken," says Kathleen Walker, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Write to Miriam Jordan at miriam.jordan@wsj.com1
Reversal Frustrates Green-Card Applicants
By MIRIAM JORDAN
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: July 5, 2007
The U.S. government's surprise offer, then abrupt reversal, of an opportunity for thousands of skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. highlights the problems of the overtaxed immigration system and the frenzy that results from a rare chance to apply for a green card.
The scramble has put tens of thousands of workers and their families in limbo after many of them and their employers spent thousands of dollars in hopes of securing permanent residency. It may result in a class-action lawsuit against the government by frustrated applicants.
The problem began June 12 when the government seemed to open the door for thousands of foreign workers and their families to end the long wait to apply for a green card. That is when the State Department published a Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly notice closely watched by immigration attorneys and their clients because it determines who is eligible to file a green-card application the next month. The June bulletin announced that practically all skilled foreign workers who had been previously deemed eligible for an employer-sponsored visa could now take the final step of applying for a green card.
By law, the U.S. can issue about 140,000 employment-based green cards each year. Last year, the government fell short by about 10,000, despite the long waiting list; leftover visas can't be rolled over to the next year. The June announcement aimed to prevent the visa slot from going to waste, according to a State Department spokeswoman.
[Green-Card Limbo]
The announcement was greeted with a mix of jubilation and panic by thousands of engineers, lab scientists and other high-skilled foreigners who had waited years for their place in line. Working ahead of a July 2 date for filing the application, intending immigrants rushed to gather documents, complete paperwork and obtain medical exams. Many of their dependents -- such as children enrolled in college overseas -- boarded planes for the U.S. to meet a requirement that all family members be present at the time of filing.
"The bulletin created a land rush among legal immigrants desperate to finalize their green-card applications," said Steve Miller, a Seattle-based immigration attorney and head of the state chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Then, on July 2, the State Department issued an "update" that reversed the previous bulletin. It stated, effective immediately, there would be no further authorizations for employment-based cases. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes the applications, said it would instead simply process existing applications to meet this year's quota. "We already had sufficient applications pending without new applicants," an agency spokesman said.
Mike Aytes, head of domestic operations for the USCIS, said all 147,141 employment-based green cards have now been issued for the year. "We are very sympathetic to the fact that people really had expectations � Folks spent a lot of time and effort, but it turned out they couldn't file, after all," he said.
In the July 2 announcement, USCIS said it was "rejecting applications" to secure green cards, and the agency spokesman said it would return the paperwork of all the applicants. New cases will be entertained again in the government's next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1. However, applicants must wait their turn again, which might not happen for years.
News of the revocation of the previously announced bulletin dashed the hopes of thousands of foreign workers, many of them currently on an H-1B professional visa normally valid for up to six years. These workers face the possibility of being forced to return home if their visa expires before they get the chance to apply for a green card.
"My employer and I spent tens of thousands of dollars preparing for the day when we could file for our Change in Status application, only to have the [government] pull the rug out from under us," said Lawrence LeBlanc, a Canadian executive at AES Corp. in Arlington, Virginia. "We were devastated to hear this unprecedented news. We're not sure how we're going to tell our children."
Because there are more employer-based applicants for immigrant visas than are available each year, people wait each month to see whether they have gotten to the front of the line. Often people wait years for the green light to apply, especially if they come from countries like India and China.
The June 12 announcement set off a stampede to government-approved doctors, because green-card applicants must pass medical exams. Apurva Pratap, a Seattle-based senior manager for a multinational corporation, said he and his wife traveled 40 miles for a medical exam after they couldn't secure an appointment in town. To fulfill a requirement for a vaccination, they waited eight hours in a line that snaked around a mobile unit in Tacoma. Mr. Pratap, a native of India, has been in the U.S. since 1999.
A spokeswoman for the American Immigration Lawyers Association said it has called for a congressional investigation. An affiliated organization is expected to take legal action via a class-action lawsuit. "This is an example of how badly our immigration system is broken," says Kathleen Walker, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Write to Miriam Jordan at miriam.jordan@wsj.com1
brij523
02-21 05:06 PM
Sorry for the confusion.
indrachat_75
02-20 10:19 PM
It is next week, correct ?
Indraneel
Indraneel
green_card
09-24 09:00 PM
his question was will bad credit affect GC? answer is "no it wont"
please dont suddenly become "Edward Jones" or "Suze orman" and give financial advice because you may be doing bettter than the person asking the question. God forbid, but one major illness can wipe out anyone's good credit, even with insurance. watch "Sicko" and "Maxed Out". Eye-opening documentaries about the predatory greed of the insurance and financial firms. Dont be so smug. kidding about other people's misfortune isnt funny.
Bad credit history will haunt you even after you get your green card :D (if you intend to take a loan for a substantially large investment - like a house)
Think about it... if they don't give you gc based on your credit goof-ups... who's loss is it :D j/k
please dont suddenly become "Edward Jones" or "Suze orman" and give financial advice because you may be doing bettter than the person asking the question. God forbid, but one major illness can wipe out anyone's good credit, even with insurance. watch "Sicko" and "Maxed Out". Eye-opening documentaries about the predatory greed of the insurance and financial firms. Dont be so smug. kidding about other people's misfortune isnt funny.
Bad credit history will haunt you even after you get your green card :D (if you intend to take a loan for a substantially large investment - like a house)
Think about it... if they don't give you gc based on your credit goof-ups... who's loss is it :D j/k
more...
nivedit.tyagi
02-19 06:52 AM
List of representatives for Georgia.
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#ga
Need to discuss a plan to call or meet them personally to explain our situation.
--
Thanks,
NT
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#ga
Need to discuss a plan to call or meet them personally to explain our situation.
--
Thanks,
NT
praveenat11
10-08 05:05 PM
Are the dates current for I-485 filing?
more...
krishnam70
08-14 12:30 PM
This is also what I have understood on doing some research; there also was a similar thread here "H1 Status After Using EAD" where people seem to say the same.
That is, once you start using EAD you loose your H1 status. If you want to get back on H1 (before the decision on 485) then your company has to extend your H1 in which case you will have to give up your part time job.
Things get bad if your 485 is denied while you are on EAD then your company may be able to extend your H1, but you will have to go out of country and return once the H1 extension is approved.
There was a thread on IP some time ago on this.
One of the rules of H1 is you should be working fulltime ( if your LCA says so) so you still need to fulfill those requirements. While as far as EAD is concerned you can use AC21 only if you have worked for the employer with whom you filed your GC for atleast 180 days right? So how would you be on H1 and work for one employer and then also work on EAD for another employer at same time?
The interpretation is probably only for the status validity as far as i can think.. You can be in both the statuses at any given time but use only one status for your work. Also i read in one of the bulletins/posts that at the POE the IO will always look to see if your underlying H1 has valid period and if you have a stamp and then use that one over the AP to allow you in to the country.
Please check with proper source before you embark on this path to avoid any future problems
That is, once you start using EAD you loose your H1 status. If you want to get back on H1 (before the decision on 485) then your company has to extend your H1 in which case you will have to give up your part time job.
Things get bad if your 485 is denied while you are on EAD then your company may be able to extend your H1, but you will have to go out of country and return once the H1 extension is approved.
There was a thread on IP some time ago on this.
One of the rules of H1 is you should be working fulltime ( if your LCA says so) so you still need to fulfill those requirements. While as far as EAD is concerned you can use AC21 only if you have worked for the employer with whom you filed your GC for atleast 180 days right? So how would you be on H1 and work for one employer and then also work on EAD for another employer at same time?
The interpretation is probably only for the status validity as far as i can think.. You can be in both the statuses at any given time but use only one status for your work. Also i read in one of the bulletins/posts that at the POE the IO will always look to see if your underlying H1 has valid period and if you have a stamp and then use that one over the AP to allow you in to the country.
Please check with proper source before you embark on this path to avoid any future problems
dreamworld
08-09 02:18 PM
BS + 5 Years Experience == EB2
Could we use the 5 years experience from other country? Or should It be from USA?
Guys post a reply
Could we use the 5 years experience from other country? Or should It be from USA?
Guys post a reply
more...
boreal
08-24 06:08 PM
#2 sorry about the tone. It was actually a copy paste from my email to a paid attorney.
Can you help with my queries: 1) What kind of queries can we expect from the DOL ? 2) what questions should I ask the potential employer ?
Please dont do this to all ppl waiting in the line.
Yeah, even if you go ahead and do it, very small chance that this would be approved because of the tougher regulations these days...
Can you help with my queries: 1) What kind of queries can we expect from the DOL ? 2) what questions should I ask the potential employer ?
Please dont do this to all ppl waiting in the line.
Yeah, even if you go ahead and do it, very small chance that this would be approved because of the tougher regulations these days...
dxldad
05-18 12:45 PM
I was not aware that EB3 were getting over regular allotment....but porting is the only way i see people getting the GC in a reasonable time-frame if you are stuck in EB3 queue :cool:
An analogy would be to compare porting to the HOV traffic lane. If you qualify, do port and you would get to your destination faster. It is perfectly legal too and no one should be complaining about people porting if they qualify for it.
An analogy would be to compare porting to the HOV traffic lane. If you qualify, do port and you would get to your destination faster. It is perfectly legal too and no one should be complaining about people porting if they qualify for it.
more...
div_bell_2003
01-12 06:41 PM
Approximately the same. My lawyer filed paper based for me and I e-filed for my wife around the same time , they came within 1 weeks of each other ( don't remember which came first ) , the only thing is , for e-filed EADs, you have to go to the nearest USCIS office for a biometrics , while paper based EADs have the pictures with the application.
thank you "div_bell_2003". e-file and paper renewal, does it take the same
processing time?
thank you "div_bell_2003". e-file and paper renewal, does it take the same
processing time?
amar123
07-28 01:17 PM
Kewl, so, its a dead mass update, No worries, thanks, Thread can be closed
more...
aristotle
03-09 04:28 AM
She is a derivate on my pending AOS, has a valid EAD/AP. She used to work on H1 and stopped work sometime ago. Does she need to do anything/is she automatically considered to be in AoS status?
nogc_noproblem
02-14 02:01 AM
I485 along with EAD and AP applications filed during July 02 for me and my family. Got EAD and AP. Used Company�s attorney to file my applications. I live in Michigan and all documents send to TSC. My I-485 is pending with TSC.
Renewed EAD and AP last year, again used the same attorney. That time they filed EAD and AP applications at NSC as per http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765instr.pdf page 11
I am still on H1B and never used EAD and AP.
I am planning to file EAD and AP renewal now (paper filing), but this time on my own. My questions are:
How can I ensure that all communications from USCIS will be sent to me and not to the attorney? How the earlier G-28 forms we submitted will cease?
Do I need to submit my EAD and AP renewal applications to NSC? In other forums somebody suggested that it need to be filed at the service center where my I485 is pending.
Recently I had been to SSN office to get SSN# for my son (8 years). They refused to give SSN and asked me to get EAD for my son. When I questioned how EAD can be applied for a minor, they responded saying that I can apply EAD for minor and based on that EAD, SSN (not permitted to work) will be given to my son. Anybody got EAD for minors?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Renewed EAD and AP last year, again used the same attorney. That time they filed EAD and AP applications at NSC as per http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765instr.pdf page 11
I am still on H1B and never used EAD and AP.
I am planning to file EAD and AP renewal now (paper filing), but this time on my own. My questions are:
How can I ensure that all communications from USCIS will be sent to me and not to the attorney? How the earlier G-28 forms we submitted will cease?
Do I need to submit my EAD and AP renewal applications to NSC? In other forums somebody suggested that it need to be filed at the service center where my I485 is pending.
Recently I had been to SSN office to get SSN# for my son (8 years). They refused to give SSN and asked me to get EAD for my son. When I questioned how EAD can be applied for a minor, they responded saying that I can apply EAD for minor and based on that EAD, SSN (not permitted to work) will be given to my son. Anybody got EAD for minors?
Thanks in advance for your help.
more...
rajutata
03-18 03:40 PM
Prevailing wage is for your future job after you get your green card. Bonus is paid this year although it was for your last year work and can not be included in your last year W2 and is not necessary also. Sometimes we get paid December months salary in January of the following year and will not show up in previous year's W2.
It is not a requirement at all.
It is not a requirement at all.
bombay
02-14 05:21 PM
either way we are screwed. The only option is to support IV, Send letters and tell others to do the same too.
BE ACTIVE in IV's action items
PD Oct 06
I485 filed
I-140 approved + 180 days + job change soon
Live life with Passion. Forget Green card and other worries. Everyday think What did i learn today.
BE ACTIVE in IV's action items
PD Oct 06
I485 filed
I-140 approved + 180 days + job change soon
Live life with Passion. Forget Green card and other worries. Everyday think What did i learn today.
more...
payur
09-07 02:03 PM
I am on H4 visa. Applied for 485 in june 2007 and got my EAD and AP last month.
Unfortunately I also applied for H1 visa in march 2007, and it got approved now. I told the employer that I will work on EAD and don't need my visa.
He is now blackmailing me to pay the amount or he will give negative feedback/comments/reason for me in H1 cancellation letter.
I didnot sign any agreement with him.
What is the H1 cancellation form/letter?
Does it have any impact on my Green Card Process? Please Advise.
Thanks for any replies
The main impact I can see is revoking your I140 which could have an impact on your GC process.
I am not sure about H1B cancellation letter. What is your PD date and SC?
Unfortunately I also applied for H1 visa in march 2007, and it got approved now. I told the employer that I will work on EAD and don't need my visa.
He is now blackmailing me to pay the amount or he will give negative feedback/comments/reason for me in H1 cancellation letter.
I didnot sign any agreement with him.
What is the H1 cancellation form/letter?
Does it have any impact on my Green Card Process? Please Advise.
Thanks for any replies
The main impact I can see is revoking your I140 which could have an impact on your GC process.
I am not sure about H1B cancellation letter. What is your PD date and SC?
willigetgc?
10-11 09:18 AM
Stop watching for VB and start meeting with your Senators!
maddipati1
07-17 04:34 PM
my wife used AP in Feb'09 end. IOs are very well aware of it, so take it easy, not a thing to worry. they do send u to secondary inspection room for sure, but didnt even take more than 5 mins for us and no questions asked. seems like they know what they are suppose to do. logically, with the # of IT immigrants in Bay area, they must be used to it.
amslonewolf
10-01 12:19 PM
Where did everyone get the 10 days estimate from??
As far as I read, the production date for the new system is 10/29.. So, maybe suprises in December bulletin.
As far as I read, the production date for the new system is 10/29.. So, maybe suprises in December bulletin.
punjabi77
08-18 11:27 AM
does anyone know to whom should i report the issues i have with my previous employer?
it is regarding the salary and unpaid dues..
it is regarding the salary and unpaid dues..
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