orangutan
10-03 08:36 PM
Hey, you lied to the American Immigration that you will return to the home country after Ph.d. And now you are talking about who should port and who not. Relax and think.
sure I am .. and guess what my dependents were already approved few weeks back on my EB2.
and yesterday my EB1 I-140 was approved :D:D:D:D
But my fight for what is fair is distinct from my own case and i am gonna keep going.
sure I am .. and guess what my dependents were already approved few weeks back on my EB2.
and yesterday my EB1 I-140 was approved :D:D:D:D
But my fight for what is fair is distinct from my own case and i am gonna keep going.
wallpaper rachel weisz wallpaper
black_logs
04-08 09:51 AM
After meeting several administrative and Lawmakers staff, we concluded there's no legislation that can help people waiting for Labor Cert from BECs. But we thought if people get 3 year H1B ext. Atleast they can move on to new jobs etc and file in PERM etc. It will be a big relief.
Just contributed $100 and asked several of my friends to join.
Btw, I do not see anthing in the amendments to address labor backlog reduction problem? Is that not goal of IV any more?
Just contributed $100 and asked several of my friends to join.
Btw, I do not see anthing in the amendments to address labor backlog reduction problem? Is that not goal of IV any more?
ksrk
04-09 08:58 PM
Received that standard email, today, about status change to "RFE Sent" for both my wife (dependant) and me.
Will post again when I find out what it is...
Employment Verification?
Married for just a couple of months prior to 485 application?
Photographs?
It is beginning to look like there is some sort of pattern here - the "older" cases (2003 through 2005) are being issued RFEs, regardless of category. Is this what they meant by "pre-adjudicating" cases with non-current PDs?
Will post again when I find out what it is...
Employment Verification?
Married for just a couple of months prior to 485 application?
Photographs?
It is beginning to look like there is some sort of pattern here - the "older" cases (2003 through 2005) are being issued RFEs, regardless of category. Is this what they meant by "pre-adjudicating" cases with non-current PDs?
2011 Wallpaper iPhone rachel weisz
learning01
02-01 12:43 PM
Look. There are 2 sides to a coin. I was a victim by my previous employer, who is a global corporation (120 k emp), who couldn't succeed in US market.
I know many small and medium companies ( and I refuse lable them in any other way) who are good employers and who truely furthered and moved the GC applications.
This talk is not correct. The situation is due to a visa regime (regime=tight control on every aspect), neo-conservatives dictating and bulldozing policies, bums and incompetent lawmakers (some of whom get thrown out each 2 years), lack of budget and personnel (and yes, Iraq is sucking everything out) and importantly lack of organization or godfather to look after our genuine needs.
IV stepped in and is doing a yeomen service and we should be proud of it. Results will come.
All Indian owned desi companies are cheaters.
I know many small and medium companies ( and I refuse lable them in any other way) who are good employers and who truely furthered and moved the GC applications.
This talk is not correct. The situation is due to a visa regime (regime=tight control on every aspect), neo-conservatives dictating and bulldozing policies, bums and incompetent lawmakers (some of whom get thrown out each 2 years), lack of budget and personnel (and yes, Iraq is sucking everything out) and importantly lack of organization or godfather to look after our genuine needs.
IV stepped in and is doing a yeomen service and we should be proud of it. Results will come.
All Indian owned desi companies are cheaters.
more...
485Mbe4001
11-14 12:29 PM
here are many other reasons why people get mugged..i understand the concern, but agitating against him is not going to produce anything substantial to the IV cause, you will end up providing free publicity to his show. You time will be better spent if you motivate others to join IV and
work with the congressmen and senators.
There is no way that he is going to change his tune. CNN will not drop him because he brings in $$$'s and according to them he is doing nothing wrong, just playing to his crowd.
is he your biggest problem? if he is then yes, please spend your time on trying to bring him down. Will all IV problems be solved if if he aplogizes tomorrow. I understand that we are all passionate about our issues, he about his and you about yours.
Only issue is one of his crowd may mug me in a subway or lonely street, or puncture my tyres, or break my windshield, attack our children... and so on.
work with the congressmen and senators.
There is no way that he is going to change his tune. CNN will not drop him because he brings in $$$'s and according to them he is doing nothing wrong, just playing to his crowd.
is he your biggest problem? if he is then yes, please spend your time on trying to bring him down. Will all IV problems be solved if if he aplogizes tomorrow. I understand that we are all passionate about our issues, he about his and you about yours.
Only issue is one of his crowd may mug me in a subway or lonely street, or puncture my tyres, or break my windshield, attack our children... and so on.
senthil1
05-24 09:50 PM
May be US corporations can tactically support this bill because this bill will impact Indian bodyshoppers severly. For past 5 years US companies could not compete with Indian companies as they have more leverage on H1b. Now if Indian companies avoid H1b US companies can get any time they want as they can satisfy most of conditions
Do you guys really think this bill will become a law that too in its current state and the added amendments? I seriously doubt it. If it is then dont you think the corporate business lobby that has fought really hard to increase the h1 b's to 115000 would have just sat mum while the H1 B fees were increased? I think this bill is just getting too absurd to become into law. I dont know but it would be interesting to hear what the businesses have to say with the increase in h1b fees.
May be I am totally wrong but just thought of posting this because I have been reading so many depressing posts from everyone. Have hope and faith. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. At this point we need to strategise, which I am sure IV is doing it excellently. We may need to make a few compromises but try to make friends with others who are lobbying.
Please dont bombard me. Its just my thought. Please ignore this post if it offends you.
Do you guys really think this bill will become a law that too in its current state and the added amendments? I seriously doubt it. If it is then dont you think the corporate business lobby that has fought really hard to increase the h1 b's to 115000 would have just sat mum while the H1 B fees were increased? I think this bill is just getting too absurd to become into law. I dont know but it would be interesting to hear what the businesses have to say with the increase in h1b fees.
May be I am totally wrong but just thought of posting this because I have been reading so many depressing posts from everyone. Have hope and faith. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. At this point we need to strategise, which I am sure IV is doing it excellently. We may need to make a few compromises but try to make friends with others who are lobbying.
Please dont bombard me. Its just my thought. Please ignore this post if it offends you.
more...
kumarc123
01-11 08:07 AM
IV core team is very active and working hard. Just because we do not see their posts on the forum does not mean they are not active. Aman Kapoor or Waldenpond- IV founder is very much active and working hard on this mission despite having his greencard. We have regular daily discussions as a team and he is one person I have seen who sleeps, drinks and live this effort all the time. He has spent his personal money to travel to DC and still takes time off from work to travel to DC on regular basis. Likewise there are others who are committed to this effort and are working hard on the tasks assigned to them. You see me most of the time writing on the forum because in the core team, this is the task assigned to me. I communicate with members. If we have everyone posting on the forum, it will not be a good use of our limited time off work on daily basis. Also know that IV is not forums. Just by writing on the forums, nothing ever gets done on the hill. There are several tasks that we have to do in this advocacy effort to get something done. You can see more regular updates on the donor forum on what we do behind the scenes. It takes lot of effort, commitment and patience to be active in this effort because results are not immediate or guaranteed. But with our efforts we have have had our successes and we are positive about the future successes. The key is to be consistent, persistent and passionate about this advocacy work. We need to understand that we as an organization represent hundreds of thousands of people suffering due to the broken immigration system despite following all the rules and being legal in this country. This long wait has caused lot of pain and suffereing in people's lives and careers. Everyday we feel the pressure of hopes of thousands of our members who look upto us with some ray of light. As leaders of this organization we carry this responsibility bravely every day on our shoulders and feel motivated from the support of our members and the passion we have for this cause.
We do admire IV's motivation and Aman's hard work. What we asking is, you to hold a rally in DC, or do something big, we are tired of
1. Sending letters
2. Faxing to senators
3. Being asked for contributions, when we want too, but we want something big.
4. For past 3 years, a lot has been discussed, done but nothing big.
we would like to be galvanized for a cause, IV should plan something fast, before the summers.
Thanks,
We do admire IV's motivation and Aman's hard work. What we asking is, you to hold a rally in DC, or do something big, we are tired of
1. Sending letters
2. Faxing to senators
3. Being asked for contributions, when we want too, but we want something big.
4. For past 3 years, a lot has been discussed, done but nothing big.
we would like to be galvanized for a cause, IV should plan something fast, before the summers.
Thanks,
2010 Rachel Weisz pictures
amits
03-11 01:06 PM
I agree that we should focus on FOIA effort to get the complete data.
If we get stats in bits and pieces then we may end up with more questions than answers.
If we get stats in bits and pieces then we may end up with more questions than answers.
more...
gsc999
07-11 02:25 AM
Administrator - Please make this the new sticky for San Jose 07/14 peaceful walk.
hair HOt Rachel Weisz Biography
DesiGuy
09-17 11:38 AM
she just kicked homeland dept for raising issues last night via FAX while they have been aware since may 8.
seems still for 6020...but Lofgren seem to have strong arguments
seems still for 6020...but Lofgren seem to have strong arguments
more...
ash0210
03-09 01:45 PM
I asked one of my friend (who is from retrogresed country) whether he is aware of IV, a group of "like-minded" members working on immigration retrogression related relief?
He quipped me back saying that he is aware of IV and IV is NOT "like-minded" group but "Money-minded" group of people, keeping on asking money all the time....Definately, its sending wrong signal...
He quipped me back saying that he is aware of IV and IV is NOT "like-minded" group but "Money-minded" group of people, keeping on asking money all the time....Definately, its sending wrong signal...
hot rachel weisz wallpaper.
Mr. Brown
05-14 08:23 PM
Mr Brown,
Should I say that all of you those who bought homes and are having a life bought a home with 0% down and interest only loan so that you can save your taxes now and if your GC does not come through in 5 years, you will walk out with out any loss as you made hefty deductions and haven't paid single penny towards the mortgage and simply go to Timbuktu or Krakovia. I will not!. Just because you chose to buy a home and have a life does not mean that others dont. Every one lives their own lives. Those who dont buy a home live a life of their choice. Stop judging people. GC was not a risk or hindrance to you in buying a home but could be for Joe the Analyst. You might have deep pockets, Joe the analyst might not or have other commitments
Your statements (above in bold) are contradictory. On one hand you don't want us to judge you but you return us the favor anyway.
Let me be clear here. I was talking about people who come here whining about how they can't buy a house ONLY because of the gc/immigration laws etc. I am not talking about Joe the Analyst (nicely copied BTW :-))
All I am saying is to stop whining and do better to withstand what you cannot change.
BTW, I put 10% down on my house and I've got the usual commitments.
Should I say that all of you those who bought homes and are having a life bought a home with 0% down and interest only loan so that you can save your taxes now and if your GC does not come through in 5 years, you will walk out with out any loss as you made hefty deductions and haven't paid single penny towards the mortgage and simply go to Timbuktu or Krakovia. I will not!. Just because you chose to buy a home and have a life does not mean that others dont. Every one lives their own lives. Those who dont buy a home live a life of their choice. Stop judging people. GC was not a risk or hindrance to you in buying a home but could be for Joe the Analyst. You might have deep pockets, Joe the analyst might not or have other commitments
Your statements (above in bold) are contradictory. On one hand you don't want us to judge you but you return us the favor anyway.
Let me be clear here. I was talking about people who come here whining about how they can't buy a house ONLY because of the gc/immigration laws etc. I am not talking about Joe the Analyst (nicely copied BTW :-))
All I am saying is to stop whining and do better to withstand what you cannot change.
BTW, I put 10% down on my house and I've got the usual commitments.
more...
house rachel weisz wallpaper. Colorful image of Rachel Weisz
manderson
09-14 03:29 PM
I think the best way to approach this thing is to increase visibility of the "American competitiveness challenged" idea. Which is basically - globalization has made it easier for foreign students and high skilled professionals to go to other places, besides the US. This is a long term problem for American competitiveness and immigration laws must be adjusted to solve this� (you see where I am going with this).
Recently a group of influential CEOs pressed lawmakers and the Bush administration on the idea and subsequently several studies/ reports were released (I have attached one such report). Let�s build our case and momentum on this for next year (let�s face it: immigration reforms are dead for the year). I think the IV leadership has a huge opportunity in guiding/ co-ordinating such an effort.
Recently a group of influential CEOs pressed lawmakers and the Bush administration on the idea and subsequently several studies/ reports were released (I have attached one such report). Let�s build our case and momentum on this for next year (let�s face it: immigration reforms are dead for the year). I think the IV leadership has a huge opportunity in guiding/ co-ordinating such an effort.
tattoo Rachel Weisz Close Up
centaur
02-05 04:43 PM
On a personal level, it might be helpful to you, however there are others here who want to --start their own company, change employers, go back to school and over and above all be able breathe without feeling suffocated by the system, and reap benefits of the multiple contributions they have made, for, so many years, to the american society.
Hello everyone,
I was just thinking about this the past couple of months and maybe we dont even need to ask for Green cards. MAYBE our approach should be "Let the H4s work". Once husband and wife can both work, the green card can take its time. Right now the Biggest problem with most people is that "my spouse cannot work!". Maybe if we lobby for h4s to be eligible to work that may solve the problem.
Now before this suggestion creates a HUGE "Dhoom", this is JUST a suggestion. The current political climate does not look like it is going to be easy in any way to put any provisions for Green card increases. Besides if the logic is "Let temporary workers be temporary", this approach fits in with that logic, coz we are not asking for GCs (permanent residency), just more temporary EADs.
Hello everyone,
I was just thinking about this the past couple of months and maybe we dont even need to ask for Green cards. MAYBE our approach should be "Let the H4s work". Once husband and wife can both work, the green card can take its time. Right now the Biggest problem with most people is that "my spouse cannot work!". Maybe if we lobby for h4s to be eligible to work that may solve the problem.
Now before this suggestion creates a HUGE "Dhoom", this is JUST a suggestion. The current political climate does not look like it is going to be easy in any way to put any provisions for Green card increases. Besides if the logic is "Let temporary workers be temporary", this approach fits in with that logic, coz we are not asking for GCs (permanent residency), just more temporary EADs.
more...
pictures Rachel Weisz
p1234
10-02 11:34 PM
Guys,
Please refrain from fighting on EB3 and EB2 issue. We all know how difficult retrogression has been to every one here. As some one has already said, If interfiling was so easy and every one was fortunate enough to file another Labor/140, EB-2 would have been in 2002 or along with EB-3. AFAIK, Interfiling is some thing the law allows and as long as one does what the system allows and is not gaming the system, its perfectly fine. Don't rub salt on others wounds. Do what you can to improve the system. IMO, the backward movement was a knee jerk reaction to the false demand, shown by USCIS with a huge movement in PD. As you may know, this is purely demand and supply based DOS will move dates forward as soon as they realize that there is not much demand. DOS keeps track of all visa number requests and approvals based on PD's. The problem is DOS just does not know how many applications are pending per country per category to stop the back and forth movement of dates and make the date movement strictly forward. DOS clearly made this a requirement in OCT 08 bulletin and lets see what happens in the next few months. 2nd Q will be key as the over flow will start to trickle based on demand in EB-1+EB-4+EB-5
Your point is taken, no more flames after this.
Please refrain from fighting on EB3 and EB2 issue. We all know how difficult retrogression has been to every one here. As some one has already said, If interfiling was so easy and every one was fortunate enough to file another Labor/140, EB-2 would have been in 2002 or along with EB-3. AFAIK, Interfiling is some thing the law allows and as long as one does what the system allows and is not gaming the system, its perfectly fine. Don't rub salt on others wounds. Do what you can to improve the system. IMO, the backward movement was a knee jerk reaction to the false demand, shown by USCIS with a huge movement in PD. As you may know, this is purely demand and supply based DOS will move dates forward as soon as they realize that there is not much demand. DOS keeps track of all visa number requests and approvals based on PD's. The problem is DOS just does not know how many applications are pending per country per category to stop the back and forth movement of dates and make the date movement strictly forward. DOS clearly made this a requirement in OCT 08 bulletin and lets see what happens in the next few months. 2nd Q will be key as the over flow will start to trickle based on demand in EB-1+EB-4+EB-5
Your point is taken, no more flames after this.
dresses Rachel Weisz
paskal
05-24 09:59 PM
this is the code that has been amended
(9)
(A) The Attorney General shall impose a fee on an employer (excluding any employer that is a primary or secondary education institution, an institution of higher education, as defined in section 1001 (a) of title 20, a nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with any such institution, a nonprofit entity which engages in established curriculum-related clinical training of students registered at any such institution, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization) filing before [1] a petition under paragraph (1)—
(i) initially to grant an alien nonimmigrant status described in section 1101 (a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title;
(ii) to extend the stay of an alien having such status (unless the employer previously has obtained an extension for such alien); or
(iii) to obtain authorization for an alien having such status to change employers.
(B) The amount of the fee shall be $1,500 for each such petition except that the fee shall be half the amount for each such petition by any employer with not more than 25 full-time equivalent employees who are employed in the United States (determined by including any affiliate or subsidiary of such employer).
(C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 1356 (s) of this title.
this is the addition:
in each case that fees is applied per para 9 and 11 (see 9 above) a supplemental fee of $ (8500 in original) 5000 will be applied
effect: new H1b, renewal - but based on the above only the first renewal for any given employer, if you change employers the clock starts again. total fees $1500 + 5000 = $6500
and that is a helluva lot of moolah!
(9)
(A) The Attorney General shall impose a fee on an employer (excluding any employer that is a primary or secondary education institution, an institution of higher education, as defined in section 1001 (a) of title 20, a nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with any such institution, a nonprofit entity which engages in established curriculum-related clinical training of students registered at any such institution, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization) filing before [1] a petition under paragraph (1)—
(i) initially to grant an alien nonimmigrant status described in section 1101 (a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title;
(ii) to extend the stay of an alien having such status (unless the employer previously has obtained an extension for such alien); or
(iii) to obtain authorization for an alien having such status to change employers.
(B) The amount of the fee shall be $1,500 for each such petition except that the fee shall be half the amount for each such petition by any employer with not more than 25 full-time equivalent employees who are employed in the United States (determined by including any affiliate or subsidiary of such employer).
(C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with section 1356 (s) of this title.
this is the addition:
in each case that fees is applied per para 9 and 11 (see 9 above) a supplemental fee of $ (8500 in original) 5000 will be applied
effect: new H1b, renewal - but based on the above only the first renewal for any given employer, if you change employers the clock starts again. total fees $1500 + 5000 = $6500
and that is a helluva lot of moolah!
more...
makeup wallpaper Rachel Weisz rachel
franklin
07-11 07:42 PM
I just got to this forum through some means and saw this thread. I work at Oracle and so I have sent it to the Oracle mailing lists for their support
Thank you so much for your support, and welcome to IV.
Thank you so much for your support, and welcome to IV.
girlfriend c0sm gallery - Rachel Weisz
skdskd
01-30 05:12 PM
Voted....It's Question 22 Now
hairstyles Rachel Weisz Wallpaper
shx
10-02 11:44 PM
I wont get into EB2/EB3 fights, but tell you what my opinion about this is.
The law definitely supports interfiling and priority date porting. However, this is like reserving seats on a bus by throwing your handkerchief in good old India. It is unfair to let people jump ahead in the queue, even though they acquired the eligibility to file in EB2, at a far later date.
There might be some genuine cases where people could not file in EB2, even though they were eligible. I only support these cases.
I've a pending EB2 485. However, let me be honest. If I had EB3 to start with, I too would've interfiled in EB2 and would've ported my priority date. Who wouldn't do it if the law allowed them to!
The law definitely supports interfiling and priority date porting. However, this is like reserving seats on a bus by throwing your handkerchief in good old India. It is unfair to let people jump ahead in the queue, even though they acquired the eligibility to file in EB2, at a far later date.
There might be some genuine cases where people could not file in EB2, even though they were eligible. I only support these cases.
I've a pending EB2 485. However, let me be honest. If I had EB3 to start with, I too would've interfiled in EB2 and would've ported my priority date. Who wouldn't do it if the law allowed them to!
Macaca
11-09 12:06 PM
The Grassley Visa Tax (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119397030162580100.html) The Wall Street Journal Editorial, November 2, 2007
Congress has failed to pass immigration reform, so industries that depend on foreign workers have already been left in the lurch. But Senator Chuck Grassley now wants to make things worse.
Last week Mr. Grassley, the Iowa Republican, slipped an amendment into a spending bill that would tax businesses that hire skilled immigrants an additional $3,500 per visa to a total of $5,000 each. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, this represents a $3.1 billion tax increase over five years on some of America's fastest growing companies.
Companies employing foreign professionals who are here on H-1B visas already pay $1,500 per individual. The fee was originally set at $500 in 1998, but at least past increases have also included a rise in the number of available visas. When Mr. Grassley floated this tax back in April, it would have been part of a Senate bill that lifted the H-1B visa cap by 50,000 and put in place an escalator provision that allowed market demand to determine future increases.
But the Grassley Tax proposed last week includes no such trade-off, leaving the H-1B visa cap of 65,000 per year intact. The need to increase this arbitrary quota, if not eliminate it, is clear. This year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received approximately 120,000 applications for H-1Bs on the first day they were available.
In addition to the hiring fee, current law already requires H-1B professionals to be paid the higher of the prevailing wage or actual wage paid to Americans in similar positions. So it's not as if U.S. businesses pursue foreign engineers, computer scientists and the like because they're cheaper to employ. Nor are these foreign workers overrunning the country and displacing Americans. In 2006, new H-1B professionals comprised 0.07 percent of the labor force.
Citing anecdotal evidence -- "People have called our office," a spokeswoman tells us -- Senator Grassley says the fee increase is necessary to combat abuse and fraud. But the back wages owed to H-1B hires amounted to just $4.6 million in 2006, down from $5.2 million the previous year. In a $12 trillion economy, those numbers are infinitesimal. Department of Labor investigations reveal that some 90% of violations are paperwork offenses and good-faith misunderstandings.
The Senator also maintains that his tax increase is needed to fund more federal programs for high-achieving U.S-born students, who are notoriously underrepresented in math and science. Leaving aside the dubious notion that the federal government doesn't spend enough money on education, the high-tech industry has already shelled out more than $2 billion to fund scholarships over the past decade. And that's not counting their other philanthropic efforts, nor the state and local taxes these companies pay to support public education.
Mr. Grassley's justifications notwithstanding, the reality is that these skilled foreign nationals help U.S. companies compete globally and keep jobs and innovation inside the U.S. This is especially important when other countries are opening their doors to this human capital. The European Union, which says it's facing a shortage of some 20 million skilled workers over the next two decades, has announced plans to streamline its immigration process to attract foreign talent.
So while even European bureaucrats are wising up to the importance of attracting global talent to keep an economy competitive, a Republican Senator is joining liberal protectionists to move the U.S. in the opposite direction. Go figure. If Congress can't see its way to fix our broken immigration system, the least it can do is not drive more jobs offshore.
Investing in America, Making Things Worse (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119449088264586132.html) By Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) | Wall Street Journal, Nov 8, 2007
I'm startled to learn that The Wall Street Journal seriously believes that an investment in American students will make things worse for U.S. businesses ("The Grassley Visa Tax," editorial, Nov. 2).
Your editorial asserts that the number of foreign workers on H-1B visas is so minimal that we shouldn't care if Americans are in fact displaced. I challenge the Journal to wave their labor force figures in the face of one of the hi-tech workers who have had to train their own replacement who is an H-1B visa holder. That's a smack in the face to the American worker and hardly an issue to take lightly.
I am committed to an effort to include additional H-1B reforms and increase the visa supply along with an increased investment to educate Americans. But, I strongly disagree that the only solution is to increase our reliance on foreign workers by raising the annual cap. Reforms to the program must be a top priority. Big business cannot continue to ignore the home-grown American talent who should be getting at least a good portion of these jobs.
Congress has failed to pass immigration reform, so industries that depend on foreign workers have already been left in the lurch. But Senator Chuck Grassley now wants to make things worse.
Last week Mr. Grassley, the Iowa Republican, slipped an amendment into a spending bill that would tax businesses that hire skilled immigrants an additional $3,500 per visa to a total of $5,000 each. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, this represents a $3.1 billion tax increase over five years on some of America's fastest growing companies.
Companies employing foreign professionals who are here on H-1B visas already pay $1,500 per individual. The fee was originally set at $500 in 1998, but at least past increases have also included a rise in the number of available visas. When Mr. Grassley floated this tax back in April, it would have been part of a Senate bill that lifted the H-1B visa cap by 50,000 and put in place an escalator provision that allowed market demand to determine future increases.
But the Grassley Tax proposed last week includes no such trade-off, leaving the H-1B visa cap of 65,000 per year intact. The need to increase this arbitrary quota, if not eliminate it, is clear. This year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received approximately 120,000 applications for H-1Bs on the first day they were available.
In addition to the hiring fee, current law already requires H-1B professionals to be paid the higher of the prevailing wage or actual wage paid to Americans in similar positions. So it's not as if U.S. businesses pursue foreign engineers, computer scientists and the like because they're cheaper to employ. Nor are these foreign workers overrunning the country and displacing Americans. In 2006, new H-1B professionals comprised 0.07 percent of the labor force.
Citing anecdotal evidence -- "People have called our office," a spokeswoman tells us -- Senator Grassley says the fee increase is necessary to combat abuse and fraud. But the back wages owed to H-1B hires amounted to just $4.6 million in 2006, down from $5.2 million the previous year. In a $12 trillion economy, those numbers are infinitesimal. Department of Labor investigations reveal that some 90% of violations are paperwork offenses and good-faith misunderstandings.
The Senator also maintains that his tax increase is needed to fund more federal programs for high-achieving U.S-born students, who are notoriously underrepresented in math and science. Leaving aside the dubious notion that the federal government doesn't spend enough money on education, the high-tech industry has already shelled out more than $2 billion to fund scholarships over the past decade. And that's not counting their other philanthropic efforts, nor the state and local taxes these companies pay to support public education.
Mr. Grassley's justifications notwithstanding, the reality is that these skilled foreign nationals help U.S. companies compete globally and keep jobs and innovation inside the U.S. This is especially important when other countries are opening their doors to this human capital. The European Union, which says it's facing a shortage of some 20 million skilled workers over the next two decades, has announced plans to streamline its immigration process to attract foreign talent.
So while even European bureaucrats are wising up to the importance of attracting global talent to keep an economy competitive, a Republican Senator is joining liberal protectionists to move the U.S. in the opposite direction. Go figure. If Congress can't see its way to fix our broken immigration system, the least it can do is not drive more jobs offshore.
Investing in America, Making Things Worse (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119449088264586132.html) By Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) | Wall Street Journal, Nov 8, 2007
I'm startled to learn that The Wall Street Journal seriously believes that an investment in American students will make things worse for U.S. businesses ("The Grassley Visa Tax," editorial, Nov. 2).
Your editorial asserts that the number of foreign workers on H-1B visas is so minimal that we shouldn't care if Americans are in fact displaced. I challenge the Journal to wave their labor force figures in the face of one of the hi-tech workers who have had to train their own replacement who is an H-1B visa holder. That's a smack in the face to the American worker and hardly an issue to take lightly.
I am committed to an effort to include additional H-1B reforms and increase the visa supply along with an increased investment to educate Americans. But, I strongly disagree that the only solution is to increase our reliance on foreign workers by raising the annual cap. Reforms to the program must be a top priority. Big business cannot continue to ignore the home-grown American talent who should be getting at least a good portion of these jobs.
gimme_GC2006
08-10 08:28 AM
Wooooooooohoooooooooooooo...
I received a sms saying that my case status has been updated (weird they sent it @ 9:25 pm PT). I was like here comes another biometrics appointment... but still let's check the status online. To my surprise and by god's grace, case status was changed to "Card/Document Production" (still cannot believe it). I dunno what triggered this but i did contact my Congressman yesterday. My wife's status has also changed to "decision" - should move to "Card production" soon.
My suggestion to all of you - please don't lose patience and do whatever you can from your end to expedite your case. It's your GC and you've to make sure you get it. Contact I/O, infopass and congressman/senator. Don't expect anything from your lawyers as they only care about money and it is in their best interest to see your case pending (more RFEs, EADs, APs, etc).
Thanks and all the best to all of you out there still waiting for your GC.
congrats!!
That is the exact response I got for my SR.
I have contacted our congressman's office yesterday for help..lets see how it goes.
I gave my 2nd finger prints on july 28th.
So far nothing. :mad:
I received a sms saying that my case status has been updated (weird they sent it @ 9:25 pm PT). I was like here comes another biometrics appointment... but still let's check the status online. To my surprise and by god's grace, case status was changed to "Card/Document Production" (still cannot believe it). I dunno what triggered this but i did contact my Congressman yesterday. My wife's status has also changed to "decision" - should move to "Card production" soon.
My suggestion to all of you - please don't lose patience and do whatever you can from your end to expedite your case. It's your GC and you've to make sure you get it. Contact I/O, infopass and congressman/senator. Don't expect anything from your lawyers as they only care about money and it is in their best interest to see your case pending (more RFEs, EADs, APs, etc).
Thanks and all the best to all of you out there still waiting for your GC.
congrats!!
That is the exact response I got for my SR.
I have contacted our congressman's office yesterday for help..lets see how it goes.
I gave my 2nd finger prints on july 28th.
So far nothing. :mad:
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