styrum
01-18 04:05 PM
Looks like if you already have EAD that can be considered a "certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d) of this section". Then you don't need the passport or other forms. Those still on H1B but without EAD then must carry a passport with a valid I-94 detached from I797 and stapled to the passport or the entire I797 with I-94 still attached, or the I485 receipt.
Interesting: Neither I-140 approval nor 485 receipt contain a new I-94. Moreover, I485 receipt explicitly says: "This notice does not grant any immigration status or benefit. it is not even evidence that this case is still pending. It only shows that the application or petition was filed on the date shown." So, if you have filed 485 but don't have an EAD (you haven't requested it or it has not arrived yet) and your H1B I-94 has expired already you can't prove your status! So, EAD is the one and only proof of status! Moreover, even with an EAD but without valid I-94 you may have problem proving your legal immigration status to those oficers who believe a non-resident alien must always have a valid I-94. Any experience proving your legal immigration status in this situation: previous I-94 (most likely H1B) expired, never entered on AP, but have a valid EAD?
Interesting: Neither I-140 approval nor 485 receipt contain a new I-94. Moreover, I485 receipt explicitly says: "This notice does not grant any immigration status or benefit. it is not even evidence that this case is still pending. It only shows that the application or petition was filed on the date shown." So, if you have filed 485 but don't have an EAD (you haven't requested it or it has not arrived yet) and your H1B I-94 has expired already you can't prove your status! So, EAD is the one and only proof of status! Moreover, even with an EAD but without valid I-94 you may have problem proving your legal immigration status to those oficers who believe a non-resident alien must always have a valid I-94. Any experience proving your legal immigration status in this situation: previous I-94 (most likely H1B) expired, never entered on AP, but have a valid EAD?
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pj1
03-24 12:11 PM
Hi,
I am on an L1B visa which is valid till 2013.I want to know different options available if i wish to get an H1B visa.
Thanks
I am on an L1B visa which is valid till 2013.I want to know different options available if i wish to get an H1B visa.
Thanks
GCKaMaara
03-12 12:01 PM
I was been a donor in the past. But since then I noticed all this and have written several emails to IV asking them to convert IV access to paid donors only otherwise freeloaders like you are eating my lunch.
So now only paid people get access to information. Why don't you start contributing now?
I am not on any side and seriously want atleast the bashing stopped. But don't want some piece of jerk doing this for sake of passing time. I would consider Ron Hira a better candidate to counter bashing. He is paid (thats what it shows on his status as "donor").
More, I sincerely don't believe that paid employee of competitor can do this. 2 reasons:
1. By any kind of conversation, site gets more traffic. Thats exactly competitors don't want.
2. This could lead to serious legal issue and opposites can lose their shirts.
I think the people on opposite sites are some old finger burnt people from IV itself like Kumar. Think what Kumar will do if he is banned from IV today for harsh bashing!
So now only paid people get access to information. Why don't you start contributing now?
I am not on any side and seriously want atleast the bashing stopped. But don't want some piece of jerk doing this for sake of passing time. I would consider Ron Hira a better candidate to counter bashing. He is paid (thats what it shows on his status as "donor").
More, I sincerely don't believe that paid employee of competitor can do this. 2 reasons:
1. By any kind of conversation, site gets more traffic. Thats exactly competitors don't want.
2. This could lead to serious legal issue and opposites can lose their shirts.
I think the people on opposite sites are some old finger burnt people from IV itself like Kumar. Think what Kumar will do if he is banned from IV today for harsh bashing!
2011 World+map+with+countries+
illusions
03-18 10:32 AM
Ron Gotcher - "I can't take credit for passing along what I heard. I do believe, however, that an analysis of the data strongly supports the conclusion that substantial additional forward movement in cutoff dates is likely between now and July.", he also goes to say that EB3 ROW will be current, by July, lets hope there is some significant movement.
more...
sunny1000
06-10 04:24 PM
done
kumar1
03-16 05:56 PM
I am impressed to see that our buddy Infinite_Patience_GC is not using F** words today. Good job!
Infinite_Patience_GC,
Though I don't like your language and attitude, you have a valid point. I honestly feel that those who have used labor substitution should not get their green cards earlier than me.
Infinite_Patience_GC,
Though I don't like your language and attitude, you have a valid point. I honestly feel that those who have used labor substitution should not get their green cards earlier than me.
more...
sheela
07-13 08:53 AM
Let us see the approvals trend till october. I am guessing the PD will move back to MID 2005 or 2004 by October for EB-2 India.
I don't agree. It will stay same or forward in small increments with new fiscal yr numbers available. I am saying so because EB2 I stayed for such long at 04/07 and everyone knows fewer LCs were filed/approved between 04 and 05.
I don't agree. It will stay same or forward in small increments with new fiscal yr numbers available. I am saying so because EB2 I stayed for such long at 04/07 and everyone knows fewer LCs were filed/approved between 04 and 05.
2010 World Map With Countries And
bec
10-15 04:53 PM
Please wait and watch for couple of months. You can keep writing to congressmen, ombudsman, push for visa recapture in lame ducks, ask for more transparency into the process but please don't send any flowers now and try to embarrass any govt organization directly. We don't know what effect its going to have.Instead go through the Ombudsman to voice your concerns.Finally, please get the consent of core IV before you attempt this.
We really, really want EB2/3-I folks, especially those who have been waiting for 5 years or more, to get out of this gc process as painlessly as possible.
We really, really want EB2/3-I folks, especially those who have been waiting for 5 years or more, to get out of this gc process as painlessly as possible.
more...
fcres
07-23 04:15 PM
Well according to this FAQ dated 07/23 they will accept application without medical report (Qn# 13) which is also an initial evidence. So i hope EVL is also ok.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/EBFAQ1.pdf
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/EBFAQ1.pdf
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stucklabor
07-25 08:43 PM
Guys,
This argument is not new. I had started a thread a while back http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=556&highlight=bkarnik
which met with essentially the same reply from the IV moderators. My underlying issue is that the term "EAD" or anything remotely similar does not even appear in the INA unless I missed it and if so, I would really appreciate it if someone show me where it is.
Once more unto the breach, my English friends.
BKarnik, there are sections in INA that use the phrase "Employment Authorization". For instance, see this base page for INA.
http://www.uscis.gov/lpBin/lpext.dll/inserts/slb/slb-1/slb-20?f=templates&fn=document-frame.htm#slb-act
Sec. 106 deals with Employment authorization of battered spouses, right on the front page of the link. There are other sections in INA that deal specifically with Employment Authorization. The problem obviously is that each class of aliens eligible for Employment Authorization has their EAD specified in their own section. 8CFR ties all of these classes together in a single place.
This argument is not new. I had started a thread a while back http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=556&highlight=bkarnik
which met with essentially the same reply from the IV moderators. My underlying issue is that the term "EAD" or anything remotely similar does not even appear in the INA unless I missed it and if so, I would really appreciate it if someone show me where it is.
Once more unto the breach, my English friends.
BKarnik, there are sections in INA that use the phrase "Employment Authorization". For instance, see this base page for INA.
http://www.uscis.gov/lpBin/lpext.dll/inserts/slb/slb-1/slb-20?f=templates&fn=document-frame.htm#slb-act
Sec. 106 deals with Employment authorization of battered spouses, right on the front page of the link. There are other sections in INA that deal specifically with Employment Authorization. The problem obviously is that each class of aliens eligible for Employment Authorization has their EAD specified in their own section. 8CFR ties all of these classes together in a single place.
more...
god_bless_you
07-04 07:42 PM
So you are saying that They assigned Visa numbers to the existing cases before processing and approval the cases are not yet approved and we can expect approvals in near future once name check etc are cleared ??
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Tito_ortiz
02-13 03:56 PM
His views are distorted.
Can Americans go to India on H1B or similar visa to get work? No? Well, so think about it.
Can Americans go to India on H1B or similar visa to get work? No? Well, so think about it.
more...
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Jbpvisa
07-12 11:02 PM
We Expect Honesty and Consistency by the Agency Created to Provide �Service�
We expect integrity, consistency, and transparency in our government and our immigration system. This is more so particularly for the USCIS that was created to provide �service� and serve its fee paying clients/ customers. The separation of enforcement, border protection, and other functions from service and benefits that occurred in 2003 requires the USCIS as an agency within DHS to focus primarily in providing quality �service� and benefits to its clients, as its name suggests. Unfortunately, on July 2, 2007, and the days preceding and until today, the USCIS miserably failed those whom it was created to serve.
There are allegations of improprieties in the usage of visa numbers for cases that have not yet been approved, contrary to regulation. This allegedly artificially increased the usage of the numbers, allowing the USCIS to use them at a rate that is many times its normal monthly usage. The USCIS claims to have approved an unprecedented number of cases and requested all the remaining (approximately 60,000) visa numbers for the fiscal year within a span of just over two weeks. The net result of this, in addition to the damage already caused, will be litigation against the USCIS. This is costly and resource intensive. We are asking you to step in, and right this wrong. In so doing, you would take a significant step toward restoring the integrity of the system that is in place. People must be able to rely upon the system. In this case, they made decisions, and expended significant time and money, based upon the July Visa Bulletin. They did so because Visa Bulletins have always been reliable and have worked in a systematic, unwavering manner, in terms of governing which cases can be filed in a particular month. This must be restored.
U.S. is the Beacon of Hope � Our Government Cannot Exhibit Greed and Inconsistency in its Policies
We are a nation of immigrants. Immigrants come to this great nation in search of freedom and opportunities. I am eternally grateful for the incredible opportunities afforded me in the great nation to maximize my potential, build my law firm and lawfully, honestly and diligently serve those who wish to immigrate here lawfully. This is what sets the U.S. apart from other countries and governments rampant with corruption, greed, mismanagement, and other negative influences. The actions of the USCIS in connection with the events of July 2, 2007, have made many feel cheated, betrayed and disappointed in our government. How can the U.S. do this when we portray ourselves as the beacon of hope and the symbol of integrity and transparency for the rest of the world?
Request is that You Step in to �Right this Wrong�
Based on the above, we respectfully request you to undertake the following to attempt to redress the irreparable injury / harm caused to so many, including the reputation and reliability of our own government:
- Issue a directive to USCIS that this issue be promptly resolved. The USCIS must accept the I-485 filings that it was supposed to accept not just in July 2007, but for a sufficient time thereafter to allow for the proper preparation of those filings, including the need for medical examinations and accommodation for travel plans. This means that the USCIS must accept I-485 filings at the earlier fee and grant a minimum of an additional 46 days (time that would have been allowed from the date of the issuance of the Visa Bulletin on June 12, 2007 until July 31, 2007, the date until when the I-485s could have been filed but for the actions of the USCIS).
- Investigate the irregularities in the use of visa numbers as explained above. We would ask for you to launch an investigation into the usage of visa numbers for cases that were not approved, and to restore those numbers and make them available during FY 2007.
- Investigate the expenditures in terms of overtime, contractors and other efforts that were allegedly engaged in as part of the effort to deplete the allocation of visa numbers for FY 2007 before July 2007.
- Take all necessary measures to avoid any possibility that a similar event could occur in the future.
We expect you to step in to attempt to �right the wrong�. I believe that you will do the right thing for American employers and hard working immigrants who play by the rules not to lose faith in the integrity of our legal system and in our government. We appeal to you to do the right thing legally, morally, ethically and in good conscience. Our people need to gain back some of the trust in our government, our legal system, and in our country.
Thank you for your time and anticipated favorable consideration in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Yours truly,
Sheela Murthy
President and Founder
Murthy Law Firm
Cc: Emilio T. Gonzalez, Esq.
We expect integrity, consistency, and transparency in our government and our immigration system. This is more so particularly for the USCIS that was created to provide �service� and serve its fee paying clients/ customers. The separation of enforcement, border protection, and other functions from service and benefits that occurred in 2003 requires the USCIS as an agency within DHS to focus primarily in providing quality �service� and benefits to its clients, as its name suggests. Unfortunately, on July 2, 2007, and the days preceding and until today, the USCIS miserably failed those whom it was created to serve.
There are allegations of improprieties in the usage of visa numbers for cases that have not yet been approved, contrary to regulation. This allegedly artificially increased the usage of the numbers, allowing the USCIS to use them at a rate that is many times its normal monthly usage. The USCIS claims to have approved an unprecedented number of cases and requested all the remaining (approximately 60,000) visa numbers for the fiscal year within a span of just over two weeks. The net result of this, in addition to the damage already caused, will be litigation against the USCIS. This is costly and resource intensive. We are asking you to step in, and right this wrong. In so doing, you would take a significant step toward restoring the integrity of the system that is in place. People must be able to rely upon the system. In this case, they made decisions, and expended significant time and money, based upon the July Visa Bulletin. They did so because Visa Bulletins have always been reliable and have worked in a systematic, unwavering manner, in terms of governing which cases can be filed in a particular month. This must be restored.
U.S. is the Beacon of Hope � Our Government Cannot Exhibit Greed and Inconsistency in its Policies
We are a nation of immigrants. Immigrants come to this great nation in search of freedom and opportunities. I am eternally grateful for the incredible opportunities afforded me in the great nation to maximize my potential, build my law firm and lawfully, honestly and diligently serve those who wish to immigrate here lawfully. This is what sets the U.S. apart from other countries and governments rampant with corruption, greed, mismanagement, and other negative influences. The actions of the USCIS in connection with the events of July 2, 2007, have made many feel cheated, betrayed and disappointed in our government. How can the U.S. do this when we portray ourselves as the beacon of hope and the symbol of integrity and transparency for the rest of the world?
Request is that You Step in to �Right this Wrong�
Based on the above, we respectfully request you to undertake the following to attempt to redress the irreparable injury / harm caused to so many, including the reputation and reliability of our own government:
- Issue a directive to USCIS that this issue be promptly resolved. The USCIS must accept the I-485 filings that it was supposed to accept not just in July 2007, but for a sufficient time thereafter to allow for the proper preparation of those filings, including the need for medical examinations and accommodation for travel plans. This means that the USCIS must accept I-485 filings at the earlier fee and grant a minimum of an additional 46 days (time that would have been allowed from the date of the issuance of the Visa Bulletin on June 12, 2007 until July 31, 2007, the date until when the I-485s could have been filed but for the actions of the USCIS).
- Investigate the irregularities in the use of visa numbers as explained above. We would ask for you to launch an investigation into the usage of visa numbers for cases that were not approved, and to restore those numbers and make them available during FY 2007.
- Investigate the expenditures in terms of overtime, contractors and other efforts that were allegedly engaged in as part of the effort to deplete the allocation of visa numbers for FY 2007 before July 2007.
- Take all necessary measures to avoid any possibility that a similar event could occur in the future.
We expect you to step in to attempt to �right the wrong�. I believe that you will do the right thing for American employers and hard working immigrants who play by the rules not to lose faith in the integrity of our legal system and in our government. We appeal to you to do the right thing legally, morally, ethically and in good conscience. Our people need to gain back some of the trust in our government, our legal system, and in our country.
Thank you for your time and anticipated favorable consideration in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Yours truly,
Sheela Murthy
President and Founder
Murthy Law Firm
Cc: Emilio T. Gonzalez, Esq.
tattoo gain Worldmap countries
smuggymba
07-29 08:31 AM
A sure invitation for defamation suit. Good luck.
This is just info, OP is not defaming anyone. He might be wrong about the info, but this info is not causing any harm to those companies.
This is just info, OP is not defaming anyone. He might be wrong about the info, but this info is not causing any harm to those companies.
more...
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eb3retro
06-10 01:32 PM
Incorrect. You have to submit proof of employment. Basically a letter from employer. If you are unemployed that that will raise a red flag and you cannot renew your EAD anyways. So current and future employment letter is a must for getting EAD. Sometimes they even ask you for salary slips if they suspect your employment. In this proposed amendment the employer also has an obligation to record layoffs and inform government. That makes it very tough for EAD guys to renew their EADs. Even if you are not working for the same company that filed your EAD, USCIS record can show there were layoffs and your applications will be in trouble. Expect lot of RFE and denials. Remember AC21 denials last year?
what the heck r u talking. i just renewed my EAD myself, no employment letter, no pay slip, no crap. Don't blabber if you dont know the details.
what the heck r u talking. i just renewed my EAD myself, no employment letter, no pay slip, no crap. Don't blabber if you dont know the details.
dresses world map with countries and
abd
09-23 09:47 AM
Just when i was wondering that we will have to wait till OCt 1 when new visa are avialable... I saw your message... If i was you i will wait too for next 5/6 days you have till oct to respond.
Does that mean there is still hope that we may see some activity on the cases who have responsed to RFEs or we have to wait till OCt 1 Chewing our nails?
Does that mean there is still hope that we may see some activity on the cases who have responsed to RFEs or we have to wait till OCt 1 Chewing our nails?
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makeup world map with countries and
transpass
04-09 10:20 PM
This is an "Ouch..." visa bulletin.
Dont want to be passimistic or discourage anyone; I have always been optimistic and will remain so...
However, this suggests that there will not be any fall down (previously called spillover) from EB4 and may not even be much from EB5 (Last year this was the major factor that gave 10k additional numbers to EB2 India). Lookes like people are finding alternate ways (who can) by these routes.
EB1 used up all its numbers last year and we dont know what will happen this year.
EB2 ROW usage looks low, but then again no movement in EB2 India...
Patience and persistence....
Good Luck to all of us.
Does anyone have numbers for spillover last year category wise? I mean, last year how many EB4, EB5 and EB1 left out visas got spilled over to EB2? Thanks...
Dont want to be passimistic or discourage anyone; I have always been optimistic and will remain so...
However, this suggests that there will not be any fall down (previously called spillover) from EB4 and may not even be much from EB5 (Last year this was the major factor that gave 10k additional numbers to EB2 India). Lookes like people are finding alternate ways (who can) by these routes.
EB1 used up all its numbers last year and we dont know what will happen this year.
EB2 ROW usage looks low, but then again no movement in EB2 India...
Patience and persistence....
Good Luck to all of us.
Does anyone have numbers for spillover last year category wise? I mean, last year how many EB4, EB5 and EB1 left out visas got spilled over to EB2? Thanks...
girlfriend world map with countries and
nixstor
07-04 08:56 PM
Excellent analysis but it does have flaws
The recent report to congress, the ombudsman scolded the CIS left and right for its inefficiency and highlighted how many EB visas were lost for ever, in last 10 years despite the very heavy demand for employment based green cards. Based on his report, both CIS and DOS try to obey the direction of ombudsman and modifying the 485 adjudication procedure. The reason for loss of EB visas in previous years not only due to inefficiency in processing the 485s on time, it is also due to lengthy background check delay by FBI, where USCIS has no control. For example, in 2003 they could approve about 64,000 485s only. It is partially due to USCIS inefficiency and partially due to lengthy FBI check. There are 300,000 (AOS+ Naturalization applicants) cases are pending with FBI for name check. Out of which, about 70,000 cases are pending more than 2 years. Out of 300,000 victims of name check delay, how many are really threat to the country? Perhaps none or may be few! Remember that lot of Indians also victims of name check and all the victims of name check delay already living in USA.
We all understand this and what you are saying, But What is in law is more important than OB's recommendations. First of all the office of OB might not have recommended to pass on any name checks. It might have advised to some how expedite them. More over, I dont think that they take the annual report seriously. We know how many times DOS officials and USCIS officials testify before congress. Why don't they tell congress that in order to clear backlogs
a) They need FBI to expedite name checks (they might have testified about this)
b) They need to recapture visa numbers (AFAIK, they never did this because your case is not pending unless you filed for AOS/485. We are not a part of the back log)
Their biggest problem now is if all of us file for 485, we will continue to be the back log for ever on the back of USCIS for ages to come unless recapture occurs. What ever be the number 200K or 700K, they simply dont want it.
The big problem is the timing when USCIS takes the visa number for a 485 applicant. Till 1982, INS took visa number for a 485 applicant as soon as they receive the application. Visa number assigned to a 485 applicant without processing his/her application. He/She may not be a qualified applicant to approve 485. Still they assign to them. If they found, the applicant is ineligible, they suppose to return the number back to DOS. However, this practice was modified after 1982. USCIS is taking visa number only at the time of approval of 485, after processing the 485 for a lengthy period. For some people, particularly victims of name check, 485 processing time vary between 2 to 5 years. Though, it is a good practice it is not the ideal or efficient process, due to name check delay. Let us assume about 150,000 are victim of name check in 2003. If they assigned all the numbers to these 150,000 applicants at the time they filed 485, the 88,000 visa numbers might have not been lost in 2003. Now what happens, those who filed 485 in 2003 (victim of name check delay) will take EB numbers from 2007 or 2008 quota, if FBI clears his/her file in 2007 or 2008. This will push back those who are going to file 485 in 2007 or 2008.
I am sure you might have read this from murthy's website (http://www.murthy.com/news/n_dosebn.html) or not, but DOS/CA/VO officials shared this piece with them. As per the above article, final quarter quota should not open until Jul 2nd. I understand that agencies can implement and interpret certain stuff, but you cannot interpret and implement one thing on Jun 13th and another on Jul 2nd. If its written into law, that the quarterly allocation is a must, USCIS is in violation and DOS/CA/VO as well for not policing them of visa number usage.
That why, ombudsman in his 2007 yearly report to Congress recommended to practice the old way of assigning visa number to 485 applicants, to minimize the loss of visa numbers.
Understood, if they can clear 60K cases in 18 days, I doubt they will have any issues clearing them in 90 days. It goes back to the point of us becoming the biggest hump on USCIS
There is nothing wrong with DOS to make all categories “current” for a July bulletin as per they definition of demand vs supply estimation to meet the numerical limitations per year. Perhaps the DOS did not aware of other impact of making all categories “current” ie fresh guys entering into I-485 race. Because of “current” there will be additional tons and tons of new filings. The rough estimation is about 500K to 700K new 485s and same amount of EAD and AP applications will be filed in July. But the available number is just 60K, and there are already 40K documentarily qualified 485s are pending more than 6 months to 3 years to take the numbers from remaining 60K pool. That leaves just 20K to fresh 485 filings. If 700K new 485 filed in July, it will choke the system. People have to live only in EAD and AP for next 5 to 10 years.
For example, an EB3-Indian whose LC approved through fast PERM on July 30th 2007, can apply 140 and 485 on July 31st 2007 as per July visa bulletin. For his PD, it will take another 10 years for the approval of 485. During this 10 year period, he/she has to live in EAD and AP and need to go for finger print every 15 month.
Therefore by making “current” for all EB categories is a billion dollar mistake by both DOS and CIS first part.. Another mistake is timing of rectifying mistake. USCIS and DOS and law firms should have discussed immediately about the potential chaos about making current and rectified move the cut-off to reasonable period to accommodate additional 20K 485s. If they modified the VB, with in couple of days after July 13, then there wont be a this much stress, time and wastage of money.
There is nothing wrong in issuing additional advisory notice or modified visa bulletin to control the usage of visa numbers. The only mistake both USCIS and DOS is made is the timing of issuance of modified visa bulletin or advisory notice. It indicates poor transparency in the system and bad customer service. Now, they used all 140K visas this year. Assigning remaining 20K visa numbers to already pending 485s which are not yet documentarily (name check delayed cases) qualified is not the violation of law. It was old practice. In fact, ombudsman recommends it. They have the trump card which is Ombudsman report and recommendations. Therefore they are immune to lawsuit. Therefore, filing the law-suit is not going to help. The only two mistakes I see is 1) making all categories as “current” in June 13 and second is modifying VB only on July 2.
I think we all agree that there was no need to make every category current given that we know how many will become eligible for 485 filing. How ever, The OB's office will be pretty pissed if they use him as the trump card. Also, I got the annual report from OB's office in email on Jun 12th 07. VB came out on 14th? What you are saying is USCIS has worked over night to analyze OB's report or they had access to OB's report 15-20 days ahead. Everything points to me that there was a lack of communication between the two agencies on an issue with huge stakes.
My recommendation is to IV is capitalize the situation in constructive way. Law suit only bring media attention with the expense of money and time. The constructive approach is getting an immediate interim relief by legislation to recapture unused visas in previous years to balance the supply vs demand difference.
We need to do both as the success is not guaranteed in either situation. I do not know if AILF will win the law suit. On the other side, Senators like Kennedy who control immigration issues will not give a damn in the current situation. If the issue gets to a point where USCIS & DOS officials testify before congress, the root problem will be solved. If we just win the lawsuit and get in, USCIS is only going to sulk us for 10 years in the name of security check.In the end, We should be able to portray the whole situation as if USCIS has been put in a ugly predicament to utilize visa numbers under the arcane laws. Bashing DOS & USCIS left and right now is not of any use in the long run.
The recent report to congress, the ombudsman scolded the CIS left and right for its inefficiency and highlighted how many EB visas were lost for ever, in last 10 years despite the very heavy demand for employment based green cards. Based on his report, both CIS and DOS try to obey the direction of ombudsman and modifying the 485 adjudication procedure. The reason for loss of EB visas in previous years not only due to inefficiency in processing the 485s on time, it is also due to lengthy background check delay by FBI, where USCIS has no control. For example, in 2003 they could approve about 64,000 485s only. It is partially due to USCIS inefficiency and partially due to lengthy FBI check. There are 300,000 (AOS+ Naturalization applicants) cases are pending with FBI for name check. Out of which, about 70,000 cases are pending more than 2 years. Out of 300,000 victims of name check delay, how many are really threat to the country? Perhaps none or may be few! Remember that lot of Indians also victims of name check and all the victims of name check delay already living in USA.
We all understand this and what you are saying, But What is in law is more important than OB's recommendations. First of all the office of OB might not have recommended to pass on any name checks. It might have advised to some how expedite them. More over, I dont think that they take the annual report seriously. We know how many times DOS officials and USCIS officials testify before congress. Why don't they tell congress that in order to clear backlogs
a) They need FBI to expedite name checks (they might have testified about this)
b) They need to recapture visa numbers (AFAIK, they never did this because your case is not pending unless you filed for AOS/485. We are not a part of the back log)
Their biggest problem now is if all of us file for 485, we will continue to be the back log for ever on the back of USCIS for ages to come unless recapture occurs. What ever be the number 200K or 700K, they simply dont want it.
The big problem is the timing when USCIS takes the visa number for a 485 applicant. Till 1982, INS took visa number for a 485 applicant as soon as they receive the application. Visa number assigned to a 485 applicant without processing his/her application. He/She may not be a qualified applicant to approve 485. Still they assign to them. If they found, the applicant is ineligible, they suppose to return the number back to DOS. However, this practice was modified after 1982. USCIS is taking visa number only at the time of approval of 485, after processing the 485 for a lengthy period. For some people, particularly victims of name check, 485 processing time vary between 2 to 5 years. Though, it is a good practice it is not the ideal or efficient process, due to name check delay. Let us assume about 150,000 are victim of name check in 2003. If they assigned all the numbers to these 150,000 applicants at the time they filed 485, the 88,000 visa numbers might have not been lost in 2003. Now what happens, those who filed 485 in 2003 (victim of name check delay) will take EB numbers from 2007 or 2008 quota, if FBI clears his/her file in 2007 or 2008. This will push back those who are going to file 485 in 2007 or 2008.
I am sure you might have read this from murthy's website (http://www.murthy.com/news/n_dosebn.html) or not, but DOS/CA/VO officials shared this piece with them. As per the above article, final quarter quota should not open until Jul 2nd. I understand that agencies can implement and interpret certain stuff, but you cannot interpret and implement one thing on Jun 13th and another on Jul 2nd. If its written into law, that the quarterly allocation is a must, USCIS is in violation and DOS/CA/VO as well for not policing them of visa number usage.
That why, ombudsman in his 2007 yearly report to Congress recommended to practice the old way of assigning visa number to 485 applicants, to minimize the loss of visa numbers.
Understood, if they can clear 60K cases in 18 days, I doubt they will have any issues clearing them in 90 days. It goes back to the point of us becoming the biggest hump on USCIS
There is nothing wrong with DOS to make all categories “current” for a July bulletin as per they definition of demand vs supply estimation to meet the numerical limitations per year. Perhaps the DOS did not aware of other impact of making all categories “current” ie fresh guys entering into I-485 race. Because of “current” there will be additional tons and tons of new filings. The rough estimation is about 500K to 700K new 485s and same amount of EAD and AP applications will be filed in July. But the available number is just 60K, and there are already 40K documentarily qualified 485s are pending more than 6 months to 3 years to take the numbers from remaining 60K pool. That leaves just 20K to fresh 485 filings. If 700K new 485 filed in July, it will choke the system. People have to live only in EAD and AP for next 5 to 10 years.
For example, an EB3-Indian whose LC approved through fast PERM on July 30th 2007, can apply 140 and 485 on July 31st 2007 as per July visa bulletin. For his PD, it will take another 10 years for the approval of 485. During this 10 year period, he/she has to live in EAD and AP and need to go for finger print every 15 month.
Therefore by making “current” for all EB categories is a billion dollar mistake by both DOS and CIS first part.. Another mistake is timing of rectifying mistake. USCIS and DOS and law firms should have discussed immediately about the potential chaos about making current and rectified move the cut-off to reasonable period to accommodate additional 20K 485s. If they modified the VB, with in couple of days after July 13, then there wont be a this much stress, time and wastage of money.
There is nothing wrong in issuing additional advisory notice or modified visa bulletin to control the usage of visa numbers. The only mistake both USCIS and DOS is made is the timing of issuance of modified visa bulletin or advisory notice. It indicates poor transparency in the system and bad customer service. Now, they used all 140K visas this year. Assigning remaining 20K visa numbers to already pending 485s which are not yet documentarily (name check delayed cases) qualified is not the violation of law. It was old practice. In fact, ombudsman recommends it. They have the trump card which is Ombudsman report and recommendations. Therefore they are immune to lawsuit. Therefore, filing the law-suit is not going to help. The only two mistakes I see is 1) making all categories as “current” in June 13 and second is modifying VB only on July 2.
I think we all agree that there was no need to make every category current given that we know how many will become eligible for 485 filing. How ever, The OB's office will be pretty pissed if they use him as the trump card. Also, I got the annual report from OB's office in email on Jun 12th 07. VB came out on 14th? What you are saying is USCIS has worked over night to analyze OB's report or they had access to OB's report 15-20 days ahead. Everything points to me that there was a lack of communication between the two agencies on an issue with huge stakes.
My recommendation is to IV is capitalize the situation in constructive way. Law suit only bring media attention with the expense of money and time. The constructive approach is getting an immediate interim relief by legislation to recapture unused visas in previous years to balance the supply vs demand difference.
We need to do both as the success is not guaranteed in either situation. I do not know if AILF will win the law suit. On the other side, Senators like Kennedy who control immigration issues will not give a damn in the current situation. If the issue gets to a point where USCIS & DOS officials testify before congress, the root problem will be solved. If we just win the lawsuit and get in, USCIS is only going to sulk us for 10 years in the name of security check.In the end, We should be able to portray the whole situation as if USCIS has been put in a ugly predicament to utilize visa numbers under the arcane laws. Bashing DOS & USCIS left and right now is not of any use in the long run.
hairstyles World+map+with+countries+
nc14
01-17 03:48 PM
Just signed up for $20 monthly Recurring. Thanks a lot guys for doing what you have done so far and plan to do in the future. GOD Bless IV and its efforts.
tushar123
02-13 05:26 PM
Its funny to see that people call this ethinic cleansing.... it is the right of America to punish people who disobey the law. reservation now in india is a better example which deprives people from certain community to persue higher education or employment in govt jobs.
memyselfandus
04-09 09:32 AM
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