macrosky
07-07 06:53 PM
My new empolyer has filed h1b transfer for me using premium processing. The package was delivered to USCIS last Monday. Because my employer's email address is too long, the last 2 letters of the email address "om" (should be ".com") are missing in the printout. I found this after the package was sent out. We have not heard anything till today (7 calender days after the last Monday). Is this normal?
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chitra
02-26 12:38 PM
I had a 10 year multiple entry B1/B2 visa which was to expire in 2013. I got married a couple of months ago, and since my husband is on a H1B, I got a H4 visa for the next 1.5 years. My passport with the B1/B2 visa DOES NOT have CWOP (Canceled without prejudice) written on it. My question is- has my B1/B2 visa been canceled? Or is it still valid? Can I hold 2 visas for entry into the US at the same time. If it has not been canceled, can I still use it for entry into the US once I lose my H4 status? Thank you for your time.
greencard_fever
09-19 10:27 PM
Guys..i have noticed that so many other members has already been complained about the getting Red dots for no reason...i got the red for this post for just a spell mistake. This is too much and IV has to do some thing about this. Otherwise people will afraid or not be willing to post their opinions here...
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Robert Kumar
02-15 08:09 AM
If I were to file EB2 now,
1. Can I use ads done for somebody else, to save time.
2. Should the ad in the paper say "Masters needed, or Bachelors + 5 years".
Is this point 2 very important in the ad itself.
Thank you,
Bobby.
1. Can I use ads done for somebody else, to save time.
2. Should the ad in the paper say "Masters needed, or Bachelors + 5 years".
Is this point 2 very important in the ad itself.
Thank you,
Bobby.
more...
rally
07-12 11:35 AM
Wasn't it Condi who said that this fiasco was a 'small inconvenience' to the applicants ?? A creative open letter ad highlighting the absurdity of this comment in a major paper would drive the message home, just like Alberto Gonzalez's classmates from Harvard did when they published an ad in the Washington post : http://websrvr80il.audiovideoweb.com/il80web20037/ThinkProgress/2007/Page%20A13%205-15-07.pdf
I think this is a really good idea. Can we pursue this to completion?
I think this is a really good idea. Can we pursue this to completion?
anand2007
07-18 08:34 PM
if your wife has chosen Consular processing when filing I-140, it is possible to go ahead with concurrent applications
Hi Friends,
I have applied for my I485 last month and received receipt numbers this week. At the time I consulted my company lawyer and he said it is possible apply from your wife's company for both of us and when USCIS gets to approving one application they will ask other one to be withdrawn.
The reason I asked and agreed to do so was manily because of the VERY unstable condition our my job. My wife's job is more stable than mine.
Now we are try to apply from my wife's company, her lawyer is saying that we can not have more than one I485 pending, had I known this - it more based on interpretation from the lawyers I would not have applied for my application just applied for my wife's.
Hoping that nothing may happen should I drop the idea of applying for I485 from my wife's company. Although my hope line is too thin.
My question is has any on in similar situation applied for 2 I485s. I am really confused as my lawyer says that it is possible and my wife's lawyer says it is not possible to have 2 pending I485 applications..
Hi Friends,
I have applied for my I485 last month and received receipt numbers this week. At the time I consulted my company lawyer and he said it is possible apply from your wife's company for both of us and when USCIS gets to approving one application they will ask other one to be withdrawn.
The reason I asked and agreed to do so was manily because of the VERY unstable condition our my job. My wife's job is more stable than mine.
Now we are try to apply from my wife's company, her lawyer is saying that we can not have more than one I485 pending, had I known this - it more based on interpretation from the lawyers I would not have applied for my application just applied for my wife's.
Hoping that nothing may happen should I drop the idea of applying for I485 from my wife's company. Although my hope line is too thin.
My question is has any on in similar situation applied for 2 I485s. I am really confused as my lawyer says that it is possible and my wife's lawyer says it is not possible to have 2 pending I485 applications..
more...
gc_check
06-26 04:20 PM
Please take the above poll.
In my case, company is paying for me alone. I have to pay attorney fee and filing fee for my wife.
Depends on the employed company's policy and the agreement given to you initially with this regards. My company policy is they will cover all expenses/fees related to Green Card, except for I-131 for employee. This has to be taken care by employee themselves. For dependents they will NOT cover any expenses/fees and we have to pay, but they will do the paper work and will file for you. We have to just pay the appropriate fees. Also we do not have external law firm doing the paper work, the company has its own legal department with immigration attorney's who does the paper work.
In my case, company is paying for me alone. I have to pay attorney fee and filing fee for my wife.
Depends on the employed company's policy and the agreement given to you initially with this regards. My company policy is they will cover all expenses/fees related to Green Card, except for I-131 for employee. This has to be taken care by employee themselves. For dependents they will NOT cover any expenses/fees and we have to pay, but they will do the paper work and will file for you. We have to just pay the appropriate fees. Also we do not have external law firm doing the paper work, the company has its own legal department with immigration attorney's who does the paper work.
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sameer2730
01-25 07:25 PM
sameer2730:
I am sorry for the misleading title...but it was meant for light humor. Emotions run high on this forum so I will keep your suggestion in mind when I post in future.
Thanks.
In that case I apologize. But of late there has been a spate of such suspicious activity. Look at the number of new threads opened about people being sent back by accounts with only 1 post. Looks at the pointless argument going over between messers snram4 and u.misc. Check their history and make up your own mind. I cannot imagine someone with any semblance of maturity could engage in just hideously low level argument. So obviously there is an agenda at work. To each is own . But please, its funny only if your audience finds it funny and there is nothing funny about the Feb visa bulletin no matter which part of the world you are from.
I am sorry for the misleading title...but it was meant for light humor. Emotions run high on this forum so I will keep your suggestion in mind when I post in future.
Thanks.
In that case I apologize. But of late there has been a spate of such suspicious activity. Look at the number of new threads opened about people being sent back by accounts with only 1 post. Looks at the pointless argument going over between messers snram4 and u.misc. Check their history and make up your own mind. I cannot imagine someone with any semblance of maturity could engage in just hideously low level argument. So obviously there is an agenda at work. To each is own . But please, its funny only if your audience finds it funny and there is nothing funny about the Feb visa bulletin no matter which part of the world you are from.
more...
nixstor
07-09 08:09 PM
Thanks Nixtor, I am in CA, but would have been more than eager to join you otherwise. Could you record (handycam) a few shots.
AJ,
Thanks for the offer. I am not sure if I have permission to shoot any thing on a federal govt agency premises, but will do my best. My sources tell me that some main stream media will cover it. For us to be able to make a good impact, we need to have people there.
AJ,
Thanks for the offer. I am not sure if I have permission to shoot any thing on a federal govt agency premises, but will do my best. My sources tell me that some main stream media will cover it. For us to be able to make a good impact, we need to have people there.
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kumaabh
02-06 03:08 PM
Ask your company to demote you to developer position once u get ur green card. GC is for a future job position.
more...
srsga
09-01 04:30 PM
I don't think so...today I got the Card Production Ordered email , after attending the interview at a local office a month ago. My PD is 06/30/2004 . You should be getting it soon, good luck.
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neel_gump
05-12 03:20 PM
Security Checks : How and Why
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
more...
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sdudeja
01-31 04:42 PM
I am just waiting and watching what comes next. My only thing is if it was for the FP notice, it was mailed about 20 days before the date when it says 'document mailed' for the final stage. You are right for no one knows what they are going to do with your case. Lets seeeeeee.:rolleyes:
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kumar1
01-15 10:02 AM
Man, you definitely sound like a multinational manager and worthy of L1A visa. Please tell USCIS that your wife is waiting for her bonus money and she is not readily available to join you on L2, USCIS would mail her Green Card overseas. Under the circumstances, someone from Department of State would personally hand it over to your wife. Thank you your highness.
Hi folks, sorry for posting this again, but I posted in the self-help area and nobody answered (I guess there's very little traffic there surprisingly)....
----
Hi Folks
I'm here in the US on a L1A visa and would like to apply for Green Card (I'm assuming i-485) soon. My wife who is currently outside of US has recently received her L2 visa within one business day I may add! So, we're waiting for her to join me here in the States within two months as she is currently working abroad and needs to wait for her bonus $...
In any case, I was thinking of applying for an EAD for her in conjunction of i-485, but I've been reading that others who are holding a H1 visa is also applying for an EAD (why on earth for?!) as you are allowed to work on H1 already no? I thought EAD is authorization to work only??
In my case, my wife needs EAD in order to work as L2 only allows her entry to the States and her visa would "clone" mine (ie. whatever my expiry date is, hers will expire).
Should I also apply for EAD too even though my L1a visa already permits me to work legally here in the US?
Hi folks, sorry for posting this again, but I posted in the self-help area and nobody answered (I guess there's very little traffic there surprisingly)....
----
Hi Folks
I'm here in the US on a L1A visa and would like to apply for Green Card (I'm assuming i-485) soon. My wife who is currently outside of US has recently received her L2 visa within one business day I may add! So, we're waiting for her to join me here in the States within two months as she is currently working abroad and needs to wait for her bonus $...
In any case, I was thinking of applying for an EAD for her in conjunction of i-485, but I've been reading that others who are holding a H1 visa is also applying for an EAD (why on earth for?!) as you are allowed to work on H1 already no? I thought EAD is authorization to work only??
In my case, my wife needs EAD in order to work as L2 only allows her entry to the States and her visa would "clone" mine (ie. whatever my expiry date is, hers will expire).
Should I also apply for EAD too even though my L1a visa already permits me to work legally here in the US?
more...
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Pallavi79
02-21 11:43 PM
:)
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gimme Green!!
07-25 05:13 PM
I donate blood with the American Red Cross once every 2 months.
The limit that you cannot donate if you visit India is 1 year, per them due to India being infested by (clearing my throat) 'MALARIA'.
You are Ok if you just visitied the Himalayas and got back, though. The virus or whatever that causes it cannot live on high altitudes.
this is a very good idea..but theres only one problem..we had gone to a blood donation drive to give blood..but were not allowed to because they do not take blood from people who have visited third world countries like India in the past 3 yrs.
so we can organise a campaign like this..but blood can be donated only by people who havent visited any third world countires in the past 3 yrs.
The limit that you cannot donate if you visit India is 1 year, per them due to India being infested by (clearing my throat) 'MALARIA'.
You are Ok if you just visitied the Himalayas and got back, though. The virus or whatever that causes it cannot live on high altitudes.
this is a very good idea..but theres only one problem..we had gone to a blood donation drive to give blood..but were not allowed to because they do not take blood from people who have visited third world countries like India in the past 3 yrs.
so we can organise a campaign like this..but blood can be donated only by people who havent visited any third world countires in the past 3 yrs.
more...
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northstar1
07-26 03:08 PM
For me, my attorney's filed successor in interest I-140 after I filed I-485 due to merger. I faced no issues with this process and you can request them to file the same at your end. This did not affect my I-485.
Thanks
Do you know if your successor in interest i-140 has been approved
Thanks
Do you know if your successor in interest i-140 has been approved
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vicks_don
01-23 08:22 AM
You guys are great Leaders...
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Blog Feeds
02-05 06:40 PM
AILA Leadership Has Just Posted the Following:
By Eleanor Pelta, AILA First Vice President
H-1B workers certainly seem to be under fire these days on many fronts. A new memo issued by USCIS on the employer-employee relationship imposes new extra-regulatory regulations on the types of activities in which H-1B workers can engage as well as the types of enterprises that can petition for H-1B workers. The memo targets the consulting industry directly, deftly slips in a new concept that seems to prohibit H-1B petitions for employer-owners of businesses, and will surely constitute an open invitation to the Service Centers to hit H-1B petitioners with a new slew of kitchen-sink RFE's. On another front, USCIS continues to make unannounced H-1B site visits, often repeatedly to the same employer. Apart from the "in-terrorem" impact of such visits, I personally cannot see the utility of three different visits to the same employer, particularly after the first one or two visits show that the employer is fully compliant.
But USCIS isn't the only agency that is rigorously targeting H-1B's. An AILA member recently reported that CBP pulled newly-arrived Indian nationals holding H-1B visas out of an immigration inspection line and reportedly placed them in Expedited Removal. The legal basis of those actions is still unclear. However, the tactic is too close to racial profiling for my own comfort.
Finally, recent H-1B "skirmishes" include various U.S. consular posts in India issuing "pink letters" that are, simply put, consular "RFE's" appearing to question the bona fides of the H-1B and requesting information on a host of truly repetitive and/or irrelevant topics. Much of the information that is routinely requested on a pink letter is already in the copy of the H-1B visa petition. Some of the letters request payroll information for all employees of the sponsoring company, a ridiculous request in most instances, particularly for major multi-national companies. One of the most frustrating actions we are seeing from consular officers in this context is the checking off or highlighting of every single category of additional information on the form letter, whether directly applicable or not, in effect a "paper wall" that must be overcome before an applicant can have the H-1B visa issued. Very discouraging to both employer and employee.
How have we come to a point in time where the H-1B category in and of itself is so disdained and mistrusted? Of course I'm aware that instances of fraud have cast this category in a bad light. But I think that vehemence of the administrative attack on the H-1B category is so disproportionate to the actual statistics about fraud. And interestingly, the disproportionate heavy-handed administrative reaction comes not from the agency specifically tasked with H-1B enforcement�the Department of Labor�but from CIS, CBP and State. Sometimes I just have to shake my head and ask myself what makes people so darn angry about a visa category that, at bottom, is designed to bring in relatively tiny number of really smart people to work in U.S. businesses of any size. It has to be a reaction against something else.
Yes, a great number of IT consultants come to the US on H-1B's. It is important to remember that so many of these individuals are extremely well-educated, capable people, working in an industry in which there are a large number of high profile players. And arguably, the high profile consulting companies have the most at stake if they do not focus on compliance, as they are the easiest enforcement target and they need their business model to work in the U.S. in order to survive. Some people may not like the business model, although arguably IT consulting companies provide needed services that allow US businesses, such as banks and insurance companies to focus on their own core strengths. Like it or not, though, this business model is perfectly legal under current law, and the agencies that enforce our immigration laws have no business trying to eviscerate it by policy or a pattern of discretionary actions.
It is true that some IT consulting companies' practices have been the focus of fraud investigations. But DOL has stringent rules in place to deal with the bad guys. Benching H-1B workers without pay, paying below the prevailing wage, sending H-1B workers on long-term assignments to a site not covered by an LCA�these are the practices we most often hear about, and every single one of these is a violation of an existing regulation that could be enforced by the Department of Labor. When an employer violates wage and hour rules, DOL investigates the practices and enforces the regulations against that employer. But no one shuts down an entire industry as a result.
And the IT consulting industry is not the only user of the H-1B visa. Let's not forget how many other critical fields use H-1B workers. In my own career alone, I have seen H-1B petitions for nanoscientists, ornithologists, CEO's of significant not for profit organizations, teachers, applied mathematicians, risk analysts, professionals involved in pharmaceutical research and development, automotive designers, international legal experts, film editors, microimaging engineers. H-1B's are valuable to small and large businesses alike, arguably even more to that emerging business that needs one key expert to develop a new product or service and get the business off the ground.
The assault on H-1B's is not only offensive, it's dangerous. Here's why:
H-1B's create jobs�statistics show that 5 jobs are created in the U.S. for every H-1B worker hired. An administrative clamp-down in the program will hinder this job creation. And think about the valuable sharing of skills and expertise between H-1B workers and U.S. workers�this is lost when companies are discouraged from using the program.
The anti-H-1B assault dissuades large businesses from conducting research and development in the US, and encourages the relocation of those facilities in jurisdictions that are friendlier to foreign professionals.
The anti-H-1B assault chills the formation of small businesses in the US, particularly in emerging technologies. This will most certainly be one of the long-term results of USCIS' most recent memo.
The attack on H-1B's offends our friends and allies in the world. An example: Earlier this year India �one of the U.S.'s closest allies --announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals working there. Surely the treatment of Indian national H-1B workers at the hands of our agencies involved in the immigration process would not have escaped the attention of the Indian government as they issued their own restrictions.
The increasing challenges in the H-1B program may have the effect of encouraging foreign students who were educated in the U.S. to seek permanent positions elsewhere.
Whatever the cause of the visceral reaction against H-1B workers might be�whether it stems from a fear that fraud will become more widespread or whether it is simply a broader reaction against foreign workers that often raises its head during any down economy �I sincerely hope that the agencies are able to gain some perspective on the program that allows them to treat legitimate H-1B employers and employees with the respect they deserve and to effectively enforce against those who are non-compliant, rather than casting a wide net and treating all H-1B users as abusers.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/186823568153827945-7575642888668204601?l=ailaleadership.blogspot.com
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By Eleanor Pelta, AILA First Vice President
H-1B workers certainly seem to be under fire these days on many fronts. A new memo issued by USCIS on the employer-employee relationship imposes new extra-regulatory regulations on the types of activities in which H-1B workers can engage as well as the types of enterprises that can petition for H-1B workers. The memo targets the consulting industry directly, deftly slips in a new concept that seems to prohibit H-1B petitions for employer-owners of businesses, and will surely constitute an open invitation to the Service Centers to hit H-1B petitioners with a new slew of kitchen-sink RFE's. On another front, USCIS continues to make unannounced H-1B site visits, often repeatedly to the same employer. Apart from the "in-terrorem" impact of such visits, I personally cannot see the utility of three different visits to the same employer, particularly after the first one or two visits show that the employer is fully compliant.
But USCIS isn't the only agency that is rigorously targeting H-1B's. An AILA member recently reported that CBP pulled newly-arrived Indian nationals holding H-1B visas out of an immigration inspection line and reportedly placed them in Expedited Removal. The legal basis of those actions is still unclear. However, the tactic is too close to racial profiling for my own comfort.
Finally, recent H-1B "skirmishes" include various U.S. consular posts in India issuing "pink letters" that are, simply put, consular "RFE's" appearing to question the bona fides of the H-1B and requesting information on a host of truly repetitive and/or irrelevant topics. Much of the information that is routinely requested on a pink letter is already in the copy of the H-1B visa petition. Some of the letters request payroll information for all employees of the sponsoring company, a ridiculous request in most instances, particularly for major multi-national companies. One of the most frustrating actions we are seeing from consular officers in this context is the checking off or highlighting of every single category of additional information on the form letter, whether directly applicable or not, in effect a "paper wall" that must be overcome before an applicant can have the H-1B visa issued. Very discouraging to both employer and employee.
How have we come to a point in time where the H-1B category in and of itself is so disdained and mistrusted? Of course I'm aware that instances of fraud have cast this category in a bad light. But I think that vehemence of the administrative attack on the H-1B category is so disproportionate to the actual statistics about fraud. And interestingly, the disproportionate heavy-handed administrative reaction comes not from the agency specifically tasked with H-1B enforcement�the Department of Labor�but from CIS, CBP and State. Sometimes I just have to shake my head and ask myself what makes people so darn angry about a visa category that, at bottom, is designed to bring in relatively tiny number of really smart people to work in U.S. businesses of any size. It has to be a reaction against something else.
Yes, a great number of IT consultants come to the US on H-1B's. It is important to remember that so many of these individuals are extremely well-educated, capable people, working in an industry in which there are a large number of high profile players. And arguably, the high profile consulting companies have the most at stake if they do not focus on compliance, as they are the easiest enforcement target and they need their business model to work in the U.S. in order to survive. Some people may not like the business model, although arguably IT consulting companies provide needed services that allow US businesses, such as banks and insurance companies to focus on their own core strengths. Like it or not, though, this business model is perfectly legal under current law, and the agencies that enforce our immigration laws have no business trying to eviscerate it by policy or a pattern of discretionary actions.
It is true that some IT consulting companies' practices have been the focus of fraud investigations. But DOL has stringent rules in place to deal with the bad guys. Benching H-1B workers without pay, paying below the prevailing wage, sending H-1B workers on long-term assignments to a site not covered by an LCA�these are the practices we most often hear about, and every single one of these is a violation of an existing regulation that could be enforced by the Department of Labor. When an employer violates wage and hour rules, DOL investigates the practices and enforces the regulations against that employer. But no one shuts down an entire industry as a result.
And the IT consulting industry is not the only user of the H-1B visa. Let's not forget how many other critical fields use H-1B workers. In my own career alone, I have seen H-1B petitions for nanoscientists, ornithologists, CEO's of significant not for profit organizations, teachers, applied mathematicians, risk analysts, professionals involved in pharmaceutical research and development, automotive designers, international legal experts, film editors, microimaging engineers. H-1B's are valuable to small and large businesses alike, arguably even more to that emerging business that needs one key expert to develop a new product or service and get the business off the ground.
The assault on H-1B's is not only offensive, it's dangerous. Here's why:
H-1B's create jobs�statistics show that 5 jobs are created in the U.S. for every H-1B worker hired. An administrative clamp-down in the program will hinder this job creation. And think about the valuable sharing of skills and expertise between H-1B workers and U.S. workers�this is lost when companies are discouraged from using the program.
The anti-H-1B assault dissuades large businesses from conducting research and development in the US, and encourages the relocation of those facilities in jurisdictions that are friendlier to foreign professionals.
The anti-H-1B assault chills the formation of small businesses in the US, particularly in emerging technologies. This will most certainly be one of the long-term results of USCIS' most recent memo.
The attack on H-1B's offends our friends and allies in the world. An example: Earlier this year India �one of the U.S.'s closest allies --announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals working there. Surely the treatment of Indian national H-1B workers at the hands of our agencies involved in the immigration process would not have escaped the attention of the Indian government as they issued their own restrictions.
The increasing challenges in the H-1B program may have the effect of encouraging foreign students who were educated in the U.S. to seek permanent positions elsewhere.
Whatever the cause of the visceral reaction against H-1B workers might be�whether it stems from a fear that fraud will become more widespread or whether it is simply a broader reaction against foreign workers that often raises its head during any down economy �I sincerely hope that the agencies are able to gain some perspective on the program that allows them to treat legitimate H-1B employers and employees with the respect they deserve and to effectively enforce against those who are non-compliant, rather than casting a wide net and treating all H-1B users as abusers.
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eastindia
05-18 12:55 PM
I thought about it again and think everyone has the right to post on forum as much as you. If IV does not like it, they will delete it. If you do not like a thread do not read it. Who is forcing you to read a thread? If you want to read something specific to your interest, there is a nice website I found recently. It is called 'Google'. All you have to do is type a keyword and Google will give you back thousands of websites of your interest for free. Isn't this amazing?
DSJ
06-21 02:50 PM
You might save lot of money if you don't apply 485
Did somebody do research on getting the correct/valid photos for I 485 in the cheapest possible way ?
Did somebody do research on getting the correct/valid photos for I 485 in the cheapest possible way ?
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